The life cycle of a feature: modelling the transitions between feature states
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 4 September 2017
Abstract
Purpose
Studies have suggested that attributes are dynamic and a life cycle of product and service attributes exists. When an innovative feature is introduced, the feature might attract and delight customers. However, with the passage of time the state of the attractiveness of this feature may change, for better or for worse. The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed model that shows the factors and related sub-factors that affect the life cycle of a feature and thereby explain the changes that may happen to a feature over time.
Design/methodology/approach
This model provide detailed explanations of the direct and indirect factors that affect the states of a feature, the ones that affect the rate of adoption, and the ones that trigger the changes between states. The model uses a current-market product’s feature to discuss the effects of these factors on the life cycle of this feature in detail.
Findings
This paper extends the theory of attractive quality attributes by identified seven states of the feature in its life cycle. These states are as follows: unknown/unimportant state, honey pot state, racing state, required state, standard state, core state, and dead state. This paper also identified eight major factors that affect the transition of the feature from one state to another. These factors include demographic, socioeconomic, behavioural, psychological, geographical, environmental, organisational, and technological factors.
Originality/value
The findings of this paper provide additional evidence that product and service attributes are dynamic. This paper also increases the validity of the attractive quality attributes theory and the factors that affect the state of the feature in its life cycle. The understanding of the state of the feature in its life cycle, and the factors that influence this change, helps not only in the introduction of completely new features but also in knowing when to remove obsolescent ones.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Raaid Batarfi thanks the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Saudi Arabia represented by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau (SACB) in Canada for supporting his research and study. The authors sincerely thank the reviewers for their positive reviews, constructive and valuable comments and suggestions that helped improve the paper. Raaid Batarfi would also like to express his sincere thanks to Professor M.Y. Jaber for his guidance and suggestions that helped the first author address the reviewers’ comments.
Citation
Batarfi, R., Guergachi, A. and Wahab, M.I.M. (2017), "The life cycle of a feature: modelling the transitions between feature states", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 34 No. 8, pp. 1229-1251. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-08-2015-0120
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited