Decision Engineering – serie
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64 produkter
64 produkter
Inbunden, Engelska, 2011
1 611 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
For manufacturers of complex engineering equipment, the focus on service and achieving outcomes for customers is the key to growth. Yet, the capability to provide service for complex engineered products is less understood.Taking a trans-disciplinary approach, Complex Engineering Service Systems covers various aspects of service in complex engineering systems, with perspectives from engineering, management, design, operations research, strategy, marketing and operations management that are relevant to different disciplines, organisation functions, and geographic locations. The focus is on the many facets of complex engineering service systems around a core integrative framework of three value transformations – that of material/equipment, information and people.Complex Engineering Service Systems is the outcome of the EPSRC/BAE Systems S4T (Service Support Solutions: Strategy and Transition) research programme of 10 universities and 27 researchers, which examined how high-value manufacturers of complex engineering products adapt to a multi-partnered environment to design and deliver value in a service system. Complex Engineering Service Systems aims to be the main source of knowledge for academics and professionals in the research and practice of contracting, managing, designing, leading, and delivering complex engineering service systems. The book takes a value-based approach to integrating equipment and human factors into a total service provision. In doing so, it aims to advance the field of service systems and engineering.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2012
1 067 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Effective decision making requires a clear methodology, particularly in complex, globally relevant situations. Institutions and companies in all disciplines and sectors are faced with increasingly multi-faceted areas of uncertainty which cannot always be effectively handled by traditional strategies. Complex Strategic Choices provides clear principles and methods which can guide and support strategic decision to face modern challenges. By considering ways in which planning practices can be renewed and exploring the possibilities for acquiring awareness and tools to add value to strategic decision making, Complex Strategic Choices presents a methodology which is further illustrated by a number of case studies and example applications. Dr. Techn. Steen Leleur has adapted previously established research based on feedback and input from various conferences, journals and students resulting in new material stemming from and focusing on practical application of systemic planning. The outcome is a coherent and flexible approach named systemic planning. The inclusion of both the theoretical and practical aspects of systemic planning makes this book a key resource for researchers and students in the field of planning and decision analysis as well as practitioners dealing with strategic analysis and decision making. More broadly, Complex Strategic Choices acts as guide for professionals and students involved in complex planning tasks across several fields such as business and engineering.
Häftad, Engelska, 2012
1 083 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
As I write, the financial systems of the world are collapsing with still no clear indication of what the consequences will be and which measures should be taken to avoid such a crisis in the future. There seems to be agreement though, that the financial instruments introduced in the past few decades entailed far too much complexity and uncertainty and that there was too little regulatory control over the use of these instruments. Management of uncertainty with the aim of achieving self-control is the core concern of this book. It was not written with a focus on financial systems, but many concepts developed in this book are applicable to this field as well. The - neric principles of reducing, maintaining or increasing uncertainties in view of the different contingencies an organization is faced with, the fundamental issue of how much control is possible and who should be in control, and the question of how much and what kind of regulation is necessary with the overall aim of finding an appropriate balance between system stability and flexibility are at the centre of heated debates on the future of finance.
Häftad, Engelska, 2012
1 835 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Evolutionary algorithms are becoming increasingly attractive across various disciplines, such as operations research, computer science, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, social science and economics. Introduction to Evolutionary Algorithms presents an insightful, comprehensive, and up-to-date treatment of evolutionary algorithms. It covers such hot topics as:• genetic algorithms,• differential evolution,• swarm intelligence, and• artificial immune systems.The reader is introduced to a range of applications, as Introduction to Evolutionary Algorithms demonstrates how to model real world problems, how to encode and decode individuals, and how to design effective search operators according to the chromosome structures with examples of constraint optimization, multiobjective optimization, combinatorial optimization, and supervised/unsupervised learning. This emphasis on practical applications will benefit all students, whether they choose to continue their academic career or to enter a particular industry.Introduction to Evolutionary Algorithms is intended as a textbook or self-study material for both advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Additional features such as recommended further reading and ideas for research projects combine to form an accessible and interesting pedagogical approach to this widely used discipline.
Häftad, Engelska, 2013
1 620 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
For manufacturers of complex engineering equipment, the focus on service and achieving outcomes for customers is the key to growth. Yet, the capability to provide service for complex engineered products is less understood.Taking a trans-disciplinary approach, Complex Engineering Service Systems covers various aspects of service in complex engineering systems, with perspectives from engineering, management, design, operations research, strategy, marketing and operations management that are relevant to different disciplines, organisation functions, and geographic locations. The focus is on the many facets of complex engineering service systems around a core integrative framework of three value transformations – that of material/equipment, information and people.Complex Engineering Service Systems is the outcome of the EPSRC/BAE Systems S4T (Service Support Solutions: Strategy and Transition) research programme of 10 universities and 27 researchers, which examined how high-value manufacturers of complex engineering products adapt to a multi-partnered environment to design and deliver value in a service system. Complex Engineering Service Systems aims to be the main source of knowledge for academics and professionals in the research and practice of contracting, managing, designing, leading, and delivering complex engineering service systems. The book takes a value-based approach to integrating equipment and human factors into a total service provision. In doing so, it aims to advance the field of service systems and engineering.
Häftad, Engelska, 2014
1 083 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Strategic Decision Making provides an effective, formal methodology that gives assistance to such strategic level decision making problems.
Häftad, Engelska, 2014
1 083 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book presents the results of extensive research in computer-supported decision processes in engineering,carried out over many years by the author and his coll- orators. The author has cooperated with designers in Poland and in Germany. Very often there was university–industry cooperation for the building of speci?c so- ware for certain engineering tasks. The majority of the concepts,for example “the designer’s personal assistant”and the decomposition and coordination of multicriteria decision problems, evolved through cooperation with designers in this ?eld. The author,while working together with them,understood that this group of people is characterised by a strong in- vidualism and that the range of applied approaches and methods is wide. The most signi?cant in?uences on the author’s opinions through contact with the designers were the lectures he delivered for more than 12 years for post-graduate studies on computer-aided design in machinery. The lectures included seminars which required the creation of concepts for an individual computer support system for decision processes,generally well known to the designers who participated in the lectures. In the theoretical part the characteristics of the actual computer-aided design and engineering (CAD and CAE) tools were depicted,whereas in the practical part the students created concepts of computer environments for the realisation of design projects in their own professional work. The task was con?ned to the expr- sion of the design process.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2012
1 669 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Here is a practical reference on recent research in supply chain integration focusing on distributed decision-making problems. It examines recent applications of various decision-making tools for integrating supply chains.
Häftad, Engelska, 2014
1 669 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Effective supply chain integration, and the tight co-ordination it creates, is an essential pre-requisite for successful supply chain management. Decision-Making for Supply Chain Integration is a practical reference on recent research in the area of supply chain integration focusing on distributed decision-making problems. Recent applications of various decision-making tools for integrating supply chains are covered including chapters focusing on:Supplier selection, pricing strategy and inventory decisions in multi-level supply chains,RFID-enabled distributed decision-making,Operational risk issues and time-critical decision-making for sensitive logistics nodes, Modelling end to end processes to improve supply chain integration, andIntegrated systems to improve service delivery and optimize resource use.Decision-Making for Supply Chain Integration provides an insight into the tools and methodologies of this field with support from real-life case studies demonstrating successful application of various decision-making techniques. By covering such a range of topics in this way, Decision-Making for Supply Chain Integration is a useful reference for researchers looking to develop their knowledge or find potential new avenues of research.
Häftad, Engelska, 2014
1 083 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Effective decision making requires a clear methodology, particularly in complex, globally relevant situations. Institutions and companies in all disciplines and sectors are faced with increasingly multi-faceted areas of uncertainty which cannot always be effectively handled by traditional strategies. Complex Strategic Choices provides clear principles and methods which can guide and support strategic decision to face modern challenges. By considering ways in which planning practices can be renewed and exploring the possibilities for acquiring awareness and tools to add value to strategic decision making, Complex Strategic Choices presents a methodology which is further illustrated by a number of case studies and example applications. Dr. Techn. Steen Leleur has adapted previously established research based on feedback and input from various conferences, journals and students resulting in new material stemming from and focusing on practical application of systemic planning. The outcome is a coherent and flexible approach named systemic planning. The inclusion of both the theoretical and practical aspects of systemic planning makes this book a key resource for researchers and students in the field of planning and decision analysis as well as practitioners dealing with strategic analysis and decision making. More broadly, Complex Strategic Choices acts as guide for professionals and students involved in complex planning tasks across several fields such as business and engineering.
Häftad, Engelska, 2014
1 620 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Data Mining introduces in clear and simple ways how to use existing data mining methods to obtain effective solutions for a variety of management and engineering design problems.Data Mining is organised into two parts: the first provides a focused introduction to data mining and the second goes into greater depth on subjects such as customer analysis. It covers almost all managerial activities of a company, including:• supply chain design,• product development,• manufacturing system design,• product quality control, and• preservation of privacy.Incorporating recent developments of data mining that have made it possible to deal with management and engineering design problems with greater efficiency and efficacy, Data Mining presents a number of state-of-the-art topics. It will be an informative source of information for researchers, but will also be a useful reference work for industrial and managerial practitioners.
Häftad, Engelska, 2016
1 620 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Customer-driven Supply Chains: Strategies for Lean and Agile Supply Chain Design reviews the concept of lean thinking and its relationship to other key initiatives associated with supply chain management.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2005
1 611 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
We use our brains to create plans and designs. However, when the resulting plans and designs take physical form, the ways in which we made our decisions are usually not included. Thus, those who only see the results, do not learn what led the designer to reach such conclusions and consequently never understand the real design. This is the first book to provide a much-needed insight into the ways in which our minds behave when we make decisions, in particular decisions about design. Written by members of The Practice of Machine Design Research Group and consisting of four parts, this book uses case studies and diagrams to illustrate the decisions made by engineers in various situations. This description of decision processes will provide the means for the development of new manufacturing systems and production activities in the future because it helps us gain a real understanding of the how the mind processes we go through when making decisions affect the decisions that we make.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2005
1 611 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
NEEDS TO BE CUT DOWNComposite decisions are decisions consisting of interconnected subdecisions which correspond to a composite system. This approach extends the traditional paradigm of decision making proposed by Herbert A. Simon (choice of the best alternatives) and realizes the two-stage solving scheme: (a) selection of alternatives as the best subdecisions and (b) composition of the selected local decisions into a global decision; while taking into account the quality of the local decisions and their compatibility. Composite Systems Decisions can be considered as the continuation of the author's monograph Combinatorial Engineering of Decomposable Systems (Kluwer, 1998). Basic 'technological' problems for composite systems are examined, including: modular hierarchical design; multistage design; multistage planning; redesign / improvement / adaptation; evaluation; combinatorial evolution /development. The book is oriented to applied researchers, students, and practitioners in many domains. Concurrently, the material will be of interest to various scientists (e. g. , mathematicians, computer scientists, economists, social engineers,etc.) who can refer to the basic systems problems, solving schemes, and applied examples. The book can be used as a text for courses (for example: systems engineering, system design, life cycle engineering, engineering design, combinatorial synthesis) at the level of undergraduate (a compressed version), graduate/PhD levels and for continuing education. Note special student team research projects can be included into an educational plans. The student teams above can involve students of different professional domains. In addition, the material will be useful for the modular curriculum design.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2005
1 611 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Parametric cost estimating, when properly used, is a powerful and cost effective technique. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and rejected by many potential users for whom it could be a beneficial tool. An agreement on how to use it and how to recognise its limitations is a major benefit to the cost estimating community.This book presents ways of parametrically forecasting costs and their advantages and disadvantages with examples from the mechanical, software and building industries; it discusses most of the mathematical procedures useful for parametrically forecasting costs and introduces the judgement needed to audit the ways these techniques are used, firstly as a process and secondly as a tool to generate estimates. Volume 2 "Building a Specific Model" focuses on the building of ‘specific’ cost estimating models. Understanding the procedures is key in creating successful specific models; so all these procedures (classical and new) are described in this volume.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2006
2 145 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Decision-making Support Systems (DMSS) are computer-based systems that support individual or organisational decision-making processes. Recent advances in information technology and artificial intelligence are enhancing these systems and giving rise to intelligent-DMSS.This is the first book to provide integrated coverage of the technical aspects of intelligent Decision-Making Support Systems together with discussion of their application and evaluation in organisational structures.The book brings together up-to-date information on the theory and application of i-DMSS. Readers will learn about the foundations, architectures, methods and strategies for successfully designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating i-DMSS.This book will be of value to researchers in AI and management studies interested in the latest thinking in decision-making, as well practising managers and consultants who are involved with putting advanced information technologies into practice in organisations.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2007
1 108 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Recent years have seen an upsurge of interest in knowledge. Leading organisations now recognise the importance of identifying what they know, sharing what they know and using what they know for maximum benefit. Many organisations employ knowledge engineers to capture knowledge from experts using the principles and techniques of knowledge engineering. The emphasis is on a structured approach built on a sound understanding of the psychology of expertise and making use of knowledge modelling methods and the latest web technologies. Knowledge Acquisition Projects is the first book to provide a detailed step-by-step guide to the methods and practical aspects of acquiring, modelling, storing and sharing knowledge. The reader is led through 47 steps from the inception of a project to its successful conclusion. Each step is described in terms of the reasons for the step, the required resources, the activities to be undertaken, and the solutions to common problems. In addition, each step has a checklist which lists the key items that should be achieved during the step.Knowledge Acquisition Projects will be of value to knowledge engineers, knowledge workers, knowledge officers and ontological engineers. The book will also be of interest to students and researchers of AI, computer science and business studies.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2012
1 659 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Customer-driven Supply Chains: Strategies for Lean and Agile Supply Chain Design reviews the concept of lean thinking and its relationship to other key initiatives associated with supply chain management.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2007
1 108 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
In the early years of the 21st Century, as a result of many changes, it has become possible for the first time for tens of thousands of companies to offer manufactured products to customers across six continents. For many of these "global products", there are potentially more than a billion customers. In 2007, Wall Street hit new highs as the enormous opportunity for increased sales and profits became clear. However the new environment is not easy to manage and the risks are high. Meeting the various requirements of customers from a range of countries, choosing the most suitable locations for the different stages of development and manufacturing, deciding what can be global and what must be local, implementing suitable processes and systems, accommodating different national regulations, and efficiently dividing the workload between diverse sites are among the many challenges faced by providers of global products. Product Lifecycle Management is now used worldwide to manage the innovation, development and support of global products. This key new business activity manages a product anywhere in the world, at any time in its life: from the first idea through to recycling and disposal. Based on interviews with executives and managers in companies such as ABB, Alcatel-Lucent, Dow Corning and Siemens, Global Product outlines the new environment and driving forces, and the resulting opportunities and challenges. From lessons learned, it draws conclusions about best practices and the ground rules for successful strategies, structures and implementation. In addition, the objectives and components of Product Lifecycle Management are highlighted.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2008
1 659 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
The aim of this book is to help enable the use of the technique of simulation modelling in the organisation. There is an emphasis in the book on the implementation of the technique in organisations, rather than a detailed treatment of the mechanics of simulation software execution or the statistical analysis undertaken during a study. The focus in this text is on recent changes in the way simulation is used which have led to its wider use and provide the potential for a continued growth in use. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the technique and gives details of where the technique can be applied in the organisation. Chapter 2 provides evidence of previous and current survey research showing the use of simulation and the challenges ahead if usage is to be increased. A particular area of growth in the use of simulation is in service applications. This has led to an interest in the modelling of human behaviour in addition to the traditional simulation of material and information processes. A framework is presented indicating approaches to the challenge of modelling people in organisations to provide guidance for simulation practitioners. Chapter 3 examines the physical and human resources that are necessary to enable a simulation capability within the organisation.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2008
2 210 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Network models are critical tools in business, management, science and industry. “Network Models and Optimization” presents an insightful, comprehensive, and up-to-date treatment of multiple objective genetic algorithms to network optimization problems in many disciplines, such as engineering, computer science, operations research, transportation, telecommunication, and manufacturing. The book extensively covers algorithms and applications, including shortest path problems, minimum cost flow problems, maximum flow problems, minimum spanning tree problems, traveling salesman and postman problems, location-allocation problems, project scheduling problems, multistage-based scheduling problems, logistics network problems, communication network problem, and network models in assembly line balancing problems, and airline fleet assignment problems. The book can be used both as a student textbook and as a professional reference for practitioners who use network optimization methods to model and solve problems.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2009
1 108 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
As I write, the financial systems of the world are collapsing with still no clear indication of what the consequences will be and which measures should be taken to avoid such a crisis in the future. There seems to be agreement though, that the financial instruments introduced in the past few decades entailed far too much complexity and uncertainty and that there was too little regulatory control over the use of these instruments. Management of uncertainty with the aim of achieving self-control is the core concern of this book. It was not written with a focus on financial systems, but many concepts developed in this book are applicable to this field as well. The - neric principles of reducing, maintaining or increasing uncertainties in view of the different contingencies an organization is faced with, the fundamental issue of how much control is possible and who should be in control, and the question of how much and what kind of regulation is necessary with the overall aim of finding an appropriate balance between system stability and flexibility are at the centre of heated debates on the future of finance.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2010
1 932 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Evolutionary algorithms are becoming increasingly attractive across various disciplines, such as operations research, computer science, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, social science and economics. Introduction to Evolutionary Algorithms presents an insightful, comprehensive, and up-to-date treatment of evolutionary algorithms. It covers such hot topics as:• genetic algorithms,• differential evolution,• swarm intelligence, and• artificial immune systems.The reader is introduced to a range of applications, as Introduction to Evolutionary Algorithms demonstrates how to model real world problems, how to encode and decode individuals, and how to design effective search operators according to the chromosome structures with examples of constraint optimization, multiobjective optimization, combinatorial optimization, and supervised/unsupervised learning. This emphasis on practical applications will benefit all students, whether they choose to continue their academic career or to enter a particular industry.Introduction to Evolutionary Algorithms is intended as a textbook or self-study material for both advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Additional features such as recommended further reading and ideas for research projects combine to form an accessible and interesting pedagogical approach to this widely used discipline.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2011
1 611 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Data Mining introduces in clear and simple ways how to use existing data mining methods to obtain effective solutions for a variety of management and engineering design problems.Data Mining is organised into two parts: the first provides a focused introduction to data mining and the second goes into greater depth on subjects such as customer analysis. It covers almost all managerial activities of a company, including:• supply chain design,• product development,• manufacturing system design,• product quality control, and• preservation of privacy.Incorporating recent developments of data mining that have made it possible to deal with management and engineering design problems with greater efficiency and efficacy, Data Mining presents a number of state-of-the-art topics. It will be an informative source of information for researchers, but will also be a useful reference work for industrial and managerial practitioners.
Häftad, Engelska, 2010
1 611 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
We use our brains to create plans and designs. However, when the resulting plans and designs take physical form, the ways in which we made our decisions are usually not included. Thus, those who only see the results, do not learn what led the designer to reach such conclusions and consequently never understand the real design. This is the first book to provide a much-needed insight into the ways in which our minds behave when we make decisions, in particular decisions about design. Written by members of 'The Practice of Machine Design Research Group' and consisting of four parts, this book uses case studies and diagrams to illustrate the decisions made by engineers in various situations. This description of decision processes will provide the means for the development of new manufacturing systems and production activities in the future because it helps us gain a real understanding of the how the mind processes we go through when making decisions affect the decisions that we make.
Häftad, Engelska, 2012
1 611 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Composite decisions consist of subdecisions and correspond to a composite system. This approach extends the traditional paradigm of decision making of Herbert A. Simon, i.e. choice of the best alternative(s), and realizes a two-stage solving scheme: (a) selection of alternatives as the best subdecisions/local decisions and (b) composition of these local decisions into a composite global decision, accounting for the quality of the local decisions and their compatibility. This book describes an approach based on systems engineering and considered modular design of composite decisions. It describes basic systems approaches and examines basic ‘technological’ problems for composite systems (with applied examples), including: modular hierarchical design; multistage design and planning; redesign/improvement/adaptation; evaluation; and, combinatorial evolution/development.Applied researchers, students, and practitioners will find this book of value. It will also interest mathematicians, computer scientists, economists and social engineers.
Häftad, Engelska, 2010
1 183 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Parametric cost estimating, when properly used, is a powerful and cost effective technique. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and rejected by many potential users for whom it could be a beneficial tool. An agreement on how to use it and how to recognise its limitations is a major benefit to the cost estimating community.This book presents ways of parametrically forecasting costs and their advantages and disadvantages with examples from the mechanical, software and building industries; it discusses most of the mathematical procedures useful for parametrically forecasting costs and introduces the judgement needed to audit the ways these techniques are used, firstly as a process and secondly as a tool to generate estimates. Volume 2 "Building a Specific Model" focuses on the building of ‘specific’ cost estimating models. Understanding the procedures is key in creating successful specific models; so all these procedures (classical and new) are described in this volume.
Häftad, Engelska, 2010
2 145 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Decision-making Support Systems (DMSS) are computer-based systems that support individual or organisational decision-making processes. Recent advances in information technology and artificial intelligence are enhancing these systems and giving rise to intelligent-DMSS.This is the first book to provide integrated coverage of the technical aspects of intelligent Decision-Making Support Systems together with discussion of their application and evaluation in organisational structures.The book brings together up-to-date information on the theory and application of i-DMSS. Readers will learn about the foundations, architectures, methods and strategies for successfully designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating i-DMSS.This book will be of value to researchers in AI and management studies interested in the latest thinking in decision-making, as well practising managers and consultants who are involved with putting advanced information technologies into practice in organisations.
Häftad, Engelska, 2010
1 076 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
Recent years have seen an upsurge of interest in knowledge. Leading organisations now recognise the importance of identifying what they know, sharing what they know and using what they know for maximum benefit. Many organisations employ knowledge engineers to capture knowledge from experts using the principles and techniques of knowledge engineering. The emphasis is on a structured approach built on a sound understanding of the psychology of expertise and making use of knowledge modelling methods and the latest web technologies. Knowledge Acquisition Projects is the first book to provide a detailed step-by-step guide to the methods and practical aspects of acquiring, modelling, storing and sharing knowledge. The reader is led through 47 steps from the inception of a project to its successful conclusion. Each step is described in terms of the reasons for the step, the required resources, the activities to be undertaken, and the solutions to common problems. In addition, each step has a checklist which lists the key items that should be achieved during the step.Knowledge Acquisition Projects will be of value to knowledge engineers, knowledge workers, knowledge officers and ontological engineers. The book will also be of interest to students and researchers of AI, computer science and business studies.
Häftad, Engelska, 2010
1 306 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
In the early years of the 21st Century, as a result of many changes, it has become possible for the first time for tens of thousands of companies to offer manufactured products to customers across six continents. For many of these "global products", there are potentially more than a billion customers. In 2007, Wall Street hit new highs as the enormous opportunity for increased sales and profits became clear. However the new environment is not easy to manage and the risks are high. Meeting the various requirements of customers from a range of countries, choosing the most suitable locations for the different stages of development and manufacturing, deciding what can be global and what must be local, implementing suitable processes and systems, accommodating different national regulations, and efficiently dividing the workload between diverse sites are among the many challenges faced by providers of global products. Product Lifecycle Management is now used worldwide to manage the innovation, development and support of global products. This key new business activity manages a product anywhere in the world, at any time in its life: from the first idea through to recycling and disposal. Based on interviews with executives and managers in companies such as ABB, Alcatel-Lucent, Dow Corning and Siemens, Global Product outlines the new environment and driving forces, and the resulting opportunities and challenges. From lessons learned, it draws conclusions about best practices and the ground rules for successful strategies, structures and implementation. In addition, the objectives and components of Product Lifecycle Management are highlighted.