Title: Analyze the life cycle of consumer products and systems.
Course: Technology Assessment (21054-18) > Section: Analyzing the Impact of Technology and Engineering

Analysis should include researching and summarizing all facets (e.g., materials, processes, systems, consequences) involved in life cycles (i.e., how long the product or system will last and what is done with it at the end of the cycle). Analysis should also include the life cycle of a product from concept through end of use and disposal.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the relationship of supply and demand to technology?
- How are economic issues factored into product development and use?
- What are some factors that help determine the length of usefulness of a product or system?
- How can technology and engineering go through phases of usefulness?
- How can technological advancements render once-useful products obsolete?
- What are some examples of products with planned obsolescence?
- What are some examples of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)?