1. Define the following terms:

a. Product life cycle

b. Porter's 5 major forces

c. Architectural technology

d. t-statistics

2. What is technology S-curve? Give an example that explains how to use S-curves to prescribe development of new component technologies.

3. Look into web site of Steel Dynamics, a Fort Wayne-based steel manufacture, and openly published document, its competitors. Then use the info appear in Reading II-3, pp. 282-283 to explain the Steel Dynamic's manufacturing process, and note if any new "Process Architecture" is deployed.

4. Can a firm increase the variability and diversity of its product line while simultaneous realizing the higher possible level of efficiency? Give one product example for illustration.

5. Is a high rate of product innovation consistent with an efforts to substantially reduce costs through extensive backward integration? Give one product as an example for illustration purpose.

6. Is government policy to maintain diversifies markets for technologically active industries consistent with a policy that seeks a high rate of effective product innovation? Use most recent U.S. SmartGrid and healthcare IT policies for discussion purposes.

7. Can the government stimulate productivity by forcing a young industry to standardize its products before a dominant design has been realized? Use most recent U.S. SmartGrid and healthcare IT policies for discussion purposes.