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To answer the call for a new business that integrates economic, biological and human systems, this paper develops a strategic performance measurement system (SPMS) for firms across supply and demand chains (SDC) by analogy with ecological succession. Based on the explanation that SDC can be viewed as community, it develops SDC (monetary value) structure by analogy with community (trophic) structure. As energy flow in ecology follows the first and second laws of thermodynamics, monetary value flow in business follows two laws that are similar to the laws of thermodynamics. Based on these laws, as well as throughput accounting and traditional cost accounting, it puts forward a general monetary value flow model in SDC (i.e. in demand chain and in supply chain respectively). Based on the value flow model in SDC, it conceives an SDC evolution model with a case study on the maturity of Toyota Motor Corporation. Based on these two models, it develops an SPMS for firms across SDC with procedural and structural frameworks. The discussion about monetary value flows in business from nature to the final consumers or converse gives a chance to coordinate business with nature. The SPMS that rationally integrates effective evaluation of tiers in SDC and practical product development plans in firm will help firms create a sustainable commerce (e.g., product–service system). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aiming at high design cost and long development cycle of truck-mounted concrete pump, the modular product development platform of truck-mounted concrete pump was established by modular modeling method. The axis pin was taken for instance, the module master model, the master document and different engineering drawings of axis pin were created by means of module geometry and structural parameters analysis. The interfaces of level one and level two modules were divided by category. According to product data management system (PDM) and product master structure, the module classification tree of modular design of order product was constructed and the basic modules, required modules and optional modules were divided, on the basis of this, the parameters serialization design and module serialization design of product structure were studied. The results indicate that the method can reduce and optimize about 30% of the parts of different specifications, cut down product development time by 50%. The method not only can reduce the production costs, but also can improve the quality of truck-mounted concrete pump product, enhance the brand competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming al offering more profound and clear understanding of product environmental footprint ( PEF) for scholars, PEF main content was concluded from its meaning and implementation steps, by collecting PEF relative information, reading and referring to the literature and guide. Then, the relationship with EU environmental policy was analyzed. Product environmental sign and organisational environmental footprint (OEF) were also introduced. Meanwhile, considering the effects to Chinese export trade, some measures were suggested. The results indicate that most content of PEF is the same with life cycle assessment (LCA) , but PEF is more clearly and detailed, with strict requirements, offering a more uniform implementation standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]