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This paper describes the structured methodology for formulating end-of-life strategies, using specific examples from consumer electronics products. The End-of-Life Design Advisor (ELDA), a web based tool, was developed to determine what end-of-life strategy is possible according to the products' technical characteristics. The classification of end-of-life strategies is compared with current industry practice, in order to evaluate and validate the method. ELDA succeeded in classifying end-of-life strategies in agreement with industry best practices for 86% of the products. This ability to classify end-of-life strategies enables designers to redesign products that move to end-of-life strategies with lower environmental impact. This paper also presents preliminary work on the calculation of the environmental impact of the end-of-life strategies, through a model called End-of-Life Strategy Environmental Impact Model (ELSEIM). By understanding better the end-of-life strategy appropriate for the product, the research results can help designers develop appropriate (and profitable) end-of-life strategies for their unique position, systematically.

This paper examines how 169 executives from leading North American electronics businesses assess their competitive operations abilities and performance, trends in business and manufacturing performance, technological readiness and manufacturing strategies. Comparative analysis reveals that the world-class electronics performers are accelerating their overall competitiveness, both internally by investing in technology and human assets and externally by forging strong relationships with customers. As a result, the most successful firms display heightened levels of organizational agility and performance.