To solve the existing problems with the use of outdated and unlicensed software
in terms of budget constraints, we propose a conceptual approach based on the theory
of the product life cycle (PLC) and the theory of purchasing.
The approach consists of the following steps:
1)
Gathering information about installed software;
2)
Construction of the trajectories of the life cycle for existing software on the
market to identify trends and expected deadlines for their support;
3)
Simulation of old products replacement process on the organization level with
further purchase volume calculation and timing of the project.
4)
Purchasing the necessary number of new products and installation on users
PC.
The first step is obvious - any research should begin with the data collection
process for further analysis.
The second step involves trajectories analysis of products life cycles identified
during the first phase. PLC theory generally explains the dynamic of the product sales
on the market from the moment of inception to disappearance or any product
innovation implementation. The figure below illustrate graphically the dynamic of
sales changes, where sales changes dependent on time and such curve is called the life
cycle curve (Fig. 5).
Figure 5. Stages of the product life cycle
Source: [22]
In practice, we can see the large number of the life cycle trajectories. The
trajectory curve depends on the specific type of product and the external environment
in which it is presented. The trajectory analysis helps to assess the overall trend on the
market for information goods that is the software. It is important because internal
characteristics of product affecting the demand to a lesser extent than network
0
k
Yk
P0
Maximum
Inflection point
Growth Maturity Saturation
Decline
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