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Obsolescence is fundamentally defined as the process or state of becoming antiquated, out of date, or no longer useful.
Answer: True
Explanation: Obsolescence is fundamentally defined as the process or state of becoming antiquated, out of date, old-fashioned, no longer in general use, no longer useful, or superseded by innovation. It signifies that something has fallen behind current standards or has been replaced by something superior.
The international standard IEC 62402:2019 defines obsolescence solely based on a product becoming outdated due to market trends.
Answer: False
Explanation: The international standard IEC 62402:2019 defines obsolescence as the transition from available to unavailable from the manufacturer in accordance with the original specification, not solely based on market trends.
In a biological context, obsolescence refers to a part of an organism that is highly developed and superior compared to other species.
Answer: False
Explanation: The biological definition of obsolescence describes a part of an organism that is imperfect or rudimentary compared to other species, indicating an evolutionary remnant, rather than a highly developed part.
What is the fundamental definition of obsolescence as described in the source text?
Answer: The process or state of becoming antiquated, out of date, no longer in general use, or superseded by innovation.
Explanation: Obsolescence is fundamentally defined as the process or state of becoming antiquated, out of date, old-fashioned, no longer in general use, no longer useful, or superseded by innovation.
According to the international standard IEC 62402:2019, what is the specific definition of obsolescence?
Answer: The transition from available to unavailable from the manufacturer in accordance with the original specification.
Explanation: According to the international standard IEC 62402:2019, obsolescence is defined as the transition from available to unavailable from the manufacturer in accordance with the original specification.
In a biological context, what does the term obsolescence refer to?
Answer: A part of an organism that is imperfect or rudimentary when compared to the corresponding part in other organisms.
Explanation: In a biological sense, obsolescence refers to a part of an organism that is imperfect or rudimentary when compared to the corresponding part in other organisms, indicating an evolutionary remnant.
Technical obsolescence is exemplified by the transition from bronze replacing flint in hand tools and DVDs replacing videocassettes.
Answer: True
Explanation: Technical obsolescence occurs when a new technology or product supersedes an older one, making the older version less efficient or desirable. Examples include bronze replacing flint and DVDs replacing videocassettes.
In the computer industry, technical obsolescence is rare due to the stability of CPU technology.
Answer: False
Explanation: Technical obsolescence is common in the computer industry, where newer, faster components like CPUs frequently replace older models, rendering hardware outdated relatively quickly.
Digital obsolescence relates to the physical degradation of digital storage media over time.
Answer: False
Explanation: Digital obsolescence is characterized by the rapid outdatedness of data formats, hardware, and software, rather than the physical degradation of storage media.
Products cannot become technically obsolete due to a lack of supporting infrastructure or parts.
Answer: False
Explanation: Products can become technically obsolete if the necessary supporting infrastructure, production technologies, or repair parts become unavailable, rendering them unmaintainable or unproducible.
Functional obsolescence occurs when an item is physically intact but can no longer adequately perform its original task.
Answer: True
Explanation: Functional obsolescence is defined as an item's inability to adequately perform its intended task or function, even if it remains physically intact, rendering it impractical or useless for its original purpose.
Manufacturers typically continue supporting functionally obsolete products indefinitely to serve the remaining user base.
Answer: False
Explanation: Manufacturers and repair companies usually cease support for functionally obsolete products because maintaining production and parts becomes unprofitable, leading to increased maintenance costs for remaining users.
Planned obsolescence is a marketing strategy designed to increase product durability and lifespan.
Answer: False
Explanation: Planned obsolescence is a marketing strategy aimed at shortening the product lifecycle and encouraging repeat purchases, rather than increasing durability or lifespan.
An example of planned obsolescence involves designing an appliance to wear out or become inefficient within a specific timeframe, such as five years.
Answer: True
Explanation: An example of planned obsolescence might involve producing an appliance that is intentionally designed to wear out or become inefficient within a specific timeframe, such as five years, thereby encouraging consumers to replace it sooner than they otherwise might.
Inventory obsolescence occurs when retailers sell goods too quickly, preventing them from becoming outdated.
Answer: False
Explanation: Inventory obsolescence happens when products remain in stock for too long and become outdated or unsellable, not when they are sold too quickly.
Holding excessive inventory levels does not increase the risk of products becoming obsolete.
Answer: False
Explanation: Holding excessive inventory levels increases the risk of products becoming obsolete, which can have a detrimental effect on the organization's cash flow.
Style obsolescence is caused by a product becoming physically non-functional due to wear and tear.
Answer: False
Explanation: Style obsolescence is driven by changing fashion and trends, making a product undesirable due to its lack of current style, not due to physical malfunction.
Style obsolescence is permanent, meaning a product once out of fashion can never regain popularity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Style obsolescence is not necessarily permanent; due to the cyclical nature of fashion, stylistically obsolete products may regain popularity over time.
The provided text includes a detailed section on Moral Obsolescence with historical examples.
Answer: False
Explanation: The section dedicated to Moral Obsolescence in the provided text is currently empty and contains no information.
What is the primary concern of digital obsolescence?
Answer: The rapid outdatedness of data formats, along with their supporting hardware and software.
Explanation: Digital obsolescence refers to the rapid outdatedness of data formats, along with their supporting hardware and software, posing a risk to information accessibility.
Under what circumstances can products become technically obsolete due to a lack of supporting infrastructure?
Answer: When the technologies required for the product's production or repair become unavailable.
Explanation: Products can become technically obsolete when the technologies required for their production or repair are no longer available, potentially due to manufacturers ceasing operations or discontinuing product lines.
What is the definition of functional obsolescence?
Answer: An item can no longer adequately perform the task or function for which it was originally created.
Explanation: Functional obsolescence occurs when an item can no longer adequately perform the task or function for which it was originally created, rendering it impractical or useless for its intended purpose.
What is the typical business decision regarding functionally obsolete products?
Answer: Manufacturers and repair companies usually cease support because maintaining production and parts becomes unprofitable.
Explanation: Manufacturers and repair companies typically cease support for functionally obsolete products as maintaining production and parts becomes unprofitable, increasing maintenance costs for remaining users.
What is the primary objective of planned obsolescence when employed as a marketing strategy?
Answer: To shorten the time between repeat purchases, thereby generating sustained long-term sales volume.
Explanation: Planned obsolescence is a marketing strategy aimed at shortening the product lifecycle and encouraging repeat purchases, thereby generating sustained long-term sales volume.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of planned obsolescence?
Answer: An appliance intentionally designed to wear out or become inefficient within a specific timeframe, such as five years.
Explanation: An appliance intentionally designed to wear out or become inefficient within a specific timeframe, such as five years, is a prime example of planned obsolescence, encouraging consumers to replace it sooner.
In the context of retail, inventory obsolescence occurs when:
Answer: Retailers hold stocks of goods that fail to sell quickly enough, becoming outdated or unsellable.
Explanation: Inventory obsolescence occurs when retailers hold stocks of goods that fail to sell quickly enough, leading to products becoming outdated or unsellable while still in inventory.
What is a significant financial implication of inventory obsolescence for a business?
Answer: A detrimental effect on the organization's cash flow due to holding unsellable stock.
Explanation: Holding unsellable stock due to inventory obsolescence has a detrimental effect on a business's cash flow, as capital is tied up in inventory that cannot be converted to revenue.
Style obsolescence is primarily caused by which factor?
Answer: A product falling out of popular fashion or current trends, reducing desirability.
Explanation: Style obsolescence is primarily caused by a product falling out of popular fashion or current trends, which reduces its desirability even if it remains functional.
Is style obsolescence permanent?
Answer: No, due to the cyclical nature of fashion trends, stylistically obsolete products may regain popularity.
Explanation: Style obsolescence is not necessarily permanent; due to the cyclical nature of fashion trends, stylistically obsolete products may regain popularity over time.
What is the status of the section dedicated to 'Moral Obsolescence' in the provided source text?
Answer: It is empty and contains no information.
Explanation: The section dedicated to Moral Obsolescence in the provided text is currently empty and contains no information.
A primary driver for obsolescence is the availability of a replacement product or technology that offers more advantages than disadvantages compared to maintaining the original.
Answer: True
Explanation: Obsolescence frequently occurs because a replacement product or technology becomes available that offers more advantages compared to the disadvantages incurred by maintaining or repairing the original item. This creates a preference for the newer, often superior, alternative.
Rapid technological changes tend to slow down the process of obsolescence by extending the relevance of older components.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to slowing obsolescence, rapid technological changes accelerate it by leading to quicker development and introduction of new components and technologies, rendering older versions outdated.
Obsolescence arises when product lifecycles perfectly align with the lifecycles of the components required for their production or support.
Answer: False
Explanation: Obsolescence occurs when there is a misalignment between product lifecycles and component lifecycles, specifically when components become unavailable before the product's intended support period concludes.
Changes in complementary products, like the invention of the car, have no impact on the obsolescence of other items like buggy whips.
Answer: False
Explanation: Changes in complementary products can render primary products obsolete by making their original function unnecessary. The invention of the car, for example, led to the obsolescence of buggy whips.
What is identified as a primary driver for obsolescence to occur?
Answer: The availability of a replacement product or technology offering more advantages.
Explanation: A primary driver for obsolescence is the availability of a replacement product or technology that offers more advantages compared to the disadvantages incurred by maintaining or repairing the original item.
What typically precedes the state of obsolescence for a product or technology?
Answer: A gradual decline in the popularity of the item or technology.
Explanation: Typically, obsolescence is preceded by a gradual decline in the popularity of the item or technology, signaling a shift in relevance before it becomes completely outdated.
How does rapid technological change contribute to the phenomenon of obsolescence?
Answer: It accelerates obsolescence by leading to faster development and market introduction of new components and technologies.
Explanation: Rapid technological changes accelerate obsolescence by fostering faster development and market introduction of new components and technologies, rendering older versions outdated more quickly.
In the context of product and component lifecycles, when does obsolescence typically arise?
Answer: When essential components become unavailable before the product's intended lifespan or support period concludes.
Explanation: Obsolescence arises when there is a misalignment between product lifecycles and component lifecycles, specifically when essential components become unavailable before the product's intended support period concludes.
How can changes in complementary products lead to the obsolescence of another product?
Answer: By making the primary product's original function unnecessary or irrelevant.
Explanation: Changes in complementary products can render a primary product obsolete by making its original function unnecessary, as illustrated by the obsolescence of buggy whips following the invention of the automobile.
Active management of obsolescence is considered unimportant because the costs associated with outdated components are negligible.
Answer: False
Explanation: Active management of obsolescence is crucial because it helps mitigate and avoid extreme costs associated with outdated or unavailable components and technologies, preventing significant financial losses and operational disruptions.
The concept of obsolescence was first applied to the built environment in 1910 by Reginald P. Bolton.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term obsolescence was first applied to the built environment in 1910 by engineer Reginald P. Bolton, who used it to explain the rapid loss of value in American skyscrapers.
Reginald P. Bolton suggested that hotels were less susceptible to obsolescence than banks due to their stable functions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Reginald P. Bolton proposed that hotels, with their dynamic functions and susceptibility to changing tastes, might become obsolete more rapidly than institutions like banks.
Obsolescence management is an alternative term for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS).
Answer: True
Explanation: Obsolescence management, which involves activities to mitigate the effects of obsolescence, is also known by the term Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS).
Common obsolescence management strategies include last-time buys and continuous monitoring.
Answer: True
Explanation: Common strategies within obsolescence management include last-time buys (purchasing a component for the final time before it becomes unavailable), lifetime buys, and continuous monitoring of potential obsolescence risks.
Bernard London's 1932 publication suggested planned obsolescence as a strategy to improve product quality during the Great Depression.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bernard London's 1932 publication proposed planned obsolescence not primarily to improve product quality, but as a strategy to stimulate the economy and combat the Great Depression.
Why is the active management of obsolescence considered crucial for businesses?
Answer: To mitigate and avoid extreme costs and operational disruptions caused by outdated or unavailable components.
Explanation: Active management of obsolescence is crucial because it helps mitigate and avoid extreme costs associated with outdated or unavailable components and technologies, preventing significant financial losses and operational disruptions.
When was the concept of obsolescence first applied to the built environment, according to the source?
Answer: 1910, by engineer Reginald P. Bolton concerning American skyscrapers.
Explanation: The concept of obsolescence was first applied to the built environment in 1910 by engineer Reginald P. Bolton, who used it to explain the rapid loss of value in American skyscrapers.
According to Reginald P. Bolton's suggestions on building obsolescence, which type of building was considered potentially more susceptible to becoming obsolete faster than banks?
Answer: Hotels, due to their more dynamic functions and susceptibility to changing tastes.
Explanation: Reginald P. Bolton proposed that hotels, with their dynamic functions and susceptibility to changing tastes, might become obsolete more rapidly than institutions like banks.
Which of the following is mentioned as a common strategy employed in obsolescence management?
Answer: Utilizing strategies such as last-time buys and continuous monitoring.
Explanation: Common strategies within obsolescence management include last-time buys (purchasing a component for the final time before it becomes unavailable), lifetime buys, and continuous monitoring of potential obsolescence risks.
What does the image caption 'Ending the Depression Through Planned Obsolescence by Bernard London, 1932' refer to?
Answer: A 1932 publication by Bernard London discussing planned obsolescence as a potential economic strategy to combat the Great Depression.
Explanation: Bernard London's 1932 publication titled 'Ending the Depression Through Planned Obsolescence' discussed planned obsolescence as a potential economic strategy to stimulate the economy during the Great Depression.
What related concepts are listed in the 'See also' section of the article on obsolescence?
Answer: Commodification, Deprecation, Disruptive innovation, Moore's law, Skeuomorph, and Sustainable design, among others.
Explanation: The 'See also' section lists related concepts such as Commodification, Deprecation, Disruptive innovation, Moore's law, Skeuomorph, and Sustainable design, providing further avenues for exploration.
The electronics industry is minimally impacted by obsolescence due to the long lifespan of its components.
Answer: False
Explanation: The electronics industry faces significant challenges with obsolescence, particularly concerning microelectronic parts, due to their often shorter procurement lifetimes relative to product lifecycles.
Obsolescence is a phenomenon exclusive to electronic components and software.
Answer: False
Explanation: Obsolescence is not limited to electronic components and software; it can also affect materials, textiles, mechanical parts, specifications, standards, processes, and human skills.
Older technologies, such as vacuum tubes, can remain useful in specific applications even after newer technologies become widely available.
Answer: True
Explanation: Older technologies can retain utility in specific contexts where they offer unique advantages or capabilities not yet matched by newer technologies, as seen with vacuum tubes in high-power transmission.
Which industry is noted for facing significant challenges with obsolescence, especially concerning microelectronic parts?
Answer: The electronics industry, due to short component lifecycles relative to product lifecycles.
Explanation: The electronics industry faces significant challenges with obsolescence, particularly concerning microelectronic parts, due to their often shorter procurement lifetimes relative to product lifecycles.
Besides electronic components, what else can be affected by obsolescence according to the text?
Answer: Materials, textiles, mechanical parts, software, specifications, standards, processes, and human skills.
Explanation: Obsolescence is not limited to electronic components; it can also affect materials, textiles, mechanical parts, software, specifications, standards, processes, and human skills.
Which of the following is cited as a historical example of technical obsolescence?
Answer: The transition from videocassettes to DVDs for home video playback.
Explanation: Technical obsolescence occurs when a newer technology supersedes an older one, making the older version less efficient or desirable. The transition from videocassettes to DVDs is a cited example.
How does technical obsolescence commonly manifest in the computer industry?
Answer: Newer, faster components like central processing units (CPUs) frequently replace older models, making them outdated.
Explanation: In the computer industry, technical obsolescence frequently occurs as newer, faster components, such as CPUs, replace older models, leading to hardware becoming outdated relatively quickly.
The text suggests that older technologies, like vacuum tubes, can remain useful even after newer technologies emerge because:
Answer: They can offer specific advantages or capabilities not yet matched by newer technologies in certain contexts.
Explanation: Older technologies can remain useful in specific applications where they offer unique advantages or capabilities not yet matched by newer technologies, as demonstrated by the continued use of vacuum tubes for high-power transmission.