Planned obsolescence: Understanding the reality of durable goods obsolescence and consumers' disposal behaviour

Jana Nejedlá

Master's thesis

Planned Obsolescence

Abstract:

Planned obsolescence is the term used to describe incentives of companies to make durable goods faster obsolete. The aim of the study is to make a big picture and real situation about planned obsolescence practising and consumer disposal behaviour. First part addresses the theoretical background and provides comprehensive overview through different aspects of the good's durability issue and planned obsolescence characteristics and influences. Second part in further reference to the information provided in theoretical part examines the situation of specific durable products - laptops. From survey's results on consumer attitudes towards durability of laptops and real case study on Apple Inc. and its reliance to planned obsolescence, recommendations to the more sustainable consumption of consumer electronics are presented.

Abstract:

Planned obsolescence is the term used to describe incentives of companies to make durable goods faster obsolete. The aim of the study is to make a big picture and real situation about planned obsolescence practising and consumer disposal behaviour. First part addresses the theoretical background and provides comprehensive overview through different aspects of the good's durability issue and planned obsolescence characteristics and influences. Second part in further reference to the information provided in theoretical part examines the situation of specific durable products - laptops. From survey's results on consumer attitudes towards durability of laptops and real case study on Apple Inc. and its reliance to planned obsolescence, recommendations to the more sustainable consumption of consumer electronics are presented.

Keywords

Apple Inc., notebooky, konzumní společnost, plánované zastarávání, životnost produktů, výrobky dlouhodobé spotřeby, zástarávání produktů

Keywords

products lifespan, product obsolescence, durability, durable goods, Apple Inc., laptops, e-waste, throwaway society, planned obsolescence

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 19. 12. 2010

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 20. 9. 2011
• Supervisor: Ondřej Pešek
• Reader: Bohumír Štědroň

Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze

Master programme / field:
Ekonomika a management / International Management