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In previous research publications the authors combined the available knowledge about obsolescence in a conceptual model for further research on and appliance in the decision making about demolition. Since evidence-based theoretical research references on obsolescence are rare, the model inevitably had an explorative character. The purpose of this paper is to test and elaborate the model.

A series of case studies were conducted in various residential building estates. In each estate the types of obsolescence (according to the model) and their interrelationships were identified.

The model can usefully be applied; it enables the determination of types of obsolescence. The case studies also show that several types of obsolescence occur simultaneously, and that these types can be interrelated. This touches upon the complexity of cause-effect mechanisms as already mentioned in the introduction. One of the weaknesses is that information is sometimes available for only one point in time, and that the availability of information varies with the type of obsolescence.

The study is based on a limited selection of case studies. Further, the causal relationships between the types of obsolescence could not always be revealed.

The current model does not distinguish between causes and effects. For further development of the model, cause-effect processes have to be further analysed.

Actual measurement of the extent of obsolescence per type is not part of this study, but has to be carried out before social implications can adequately be indicated.

The paper presents a conceptual classification of obsolescence that turns out to be workable when tested in practice.

Since technological lifecycles do not always match hardware/software (HW/SW) lifecycles, obsolescence becomes a major issue in system lifecycle management as it can cause premature and unscheduled replacement of HW/SW subsystems. The purpose of this paper is to report a dynamic model to predict the obsolescence dates for HW/SW subsystems.

The dynamic model estimates obsolescence dates for HW/SW subsystems based on graph theory concept. The model depicts the stages of subsystem obsolescence through transmittances composed of probability and time-distribution elements. The model predicts probability and mean time to obsolescence for line replaceable units (LRUs) over the lifetime of the system. An illustrative example in signaling systems used in a train control system was used to demonstrate the application of this model.

Generally, the short timespan for HW/SW subsystems, which are periodically replaced with newer technologies, results in the development of new product lines by suppliers while they try to support legacy systems for a reasonable period of time. Obsolescence of HW/SW subsystems increases operation and maintenance costs as legacy systems are typically more expensive to maintain. The costs can be reduced by an optimum time to obsolescence derived from the model.

This research adds to the body of knowledge on asset management and maintenance strategy. This paper may be of particular interest to reliability, maintainability and availability practitioners and project managers.

The originality of this paper lies in developing a graph-based model that predicts probability and mean time to obsolescence for LRUs over the lifetime of the system.

The concept of adaptive reuse is an effective strategy for enhancing heritage assets, economic, cultural and social values. The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to reuse historic buildings within appropriate time frames. The adaptive reuse potential (ARP) model assesses the potential of buildings based on obsolescence criteria in order to determine the optimal time for changing the use of such assets.

Both quantitative and qualitative methods have been used in this research to evaluate the reuse potential of The Mashrooteh Building by using the ARP model. Predicting and evaluating the physical life, useful life and potential of the historic Mashrooteh building in Tabriz will ensure its reuse and will increase its future life.

Findings have shown that to increase the future life of The Mashrooteh Building, its adaptive reuse quality needs to be improved for the next intervention within a reasonable time. Further procedures can be outlined when the appropriate time for future rehabilitation is known.

With an emphasis on conservation of national heritage as well as promoting sustainable development, the overall future life of assets can be extended. The significance of this study is closely related to organizations dealing with the conservation and rehabilitation of historical buildings with the emphasis on sustainable improvement of environmental, economic, social and functional aspects in the best possible time frame. The result of this study will add a value to existing sustainable reuse database in Tabriz and other countries in the Middle East region.

This paper has three principal aims: to briefly consider the term “depreciation” in the context of property values; to critically review the term “obsolescence” and two of its distinct forms; and to highlight the practical difficulties in pricing obsolescence using inflexible methodologies in a market place that is subject to evolving criteria.

The paper critically reviews existing literature and advice from international professional bodies.

The general conclusions are that despite the need to be more explicit in valuations, current methods are unable to address such detail. The guidance and advice offered by professional bodies need to be thoroughly revised. It is hoped that the progress being made in methodology will be incorporated in directed guidance to practitioners.

The paper offers an applied examination of an issue that has an impact on many aspects of contemporary real estate consultancy services.

Obsolescence is a decline or loss of utility of an object, building or product. Different types of building obsolescence decrease buildings’ utility and shorten their service life. The purpose of this paper is identification of building obsolescence types and the relevant factors that affect buildings to become obsolete. It is also intended to categorise building obsolescence types to provide a contribution towards increasing building service life and delivering sustainability.

A systematic literature review is applied to conduct this research. It follows five steps: (1) formulating the research question; (2) locating studies; (3) selecting and evaluating relevant studies; (4) analysing the findings; (5) reporting and making use of the results.

Via this study, it is revealed that there are 33 types of building obsolescence. They are clustered in 10 categories regarding their conceptual and causing aspects and are presented based on their recurrence in the literature. According to the findings, economic obsolescence (including economic, financial and market obsolescence types) and functional obsolescence (including functional, use and utility obsolescence types) are the most remarkable categories.

Investigating the literature makes it clear that building obsolescence types have been studied intermittently with infrequent profound exploration of the relationship between them. This paper presents a comprehensive identification of building obsolescence types and introduces obsolescence categories that classify connected obsolescence types. It is a new framework for further studies on building obsolescence to find more effective prevention strategies to mitigate social, economic and environmental consequences of building obsolescence.

Several problems present themselves when discussing the concept of obsolescence in relation to human behaviour within organisations. Most definitions of ‘obsolescence’ in fact refer to evaluations of inanimate physical phenomena within a dynamic context, not to human behaviour as such. Thus ‘obsolescent’ is often defined as ‘going out of date’, ‘falling into disuse’, or in accountants' terminology, as part of the process of calculating depreciation, involving the assessment of the ‘inadequacy of an asset relative to newer models’. Yet these ‘definitions’ beg the question. When is a machine (or an operative or manager) ‘out of date’, when is any asset, human or otherwise, ‘inadequate’ as compared to something ‘newer’ and where is the dividing line between ‘new’ and ‘old’ to be placed? These questions suggest that to define what we mean by ‘obsolescent’ in relation to any phenomenon, involves essentially a process of evaluation in the light of selected criteria in some particular context.

The term ‘obsolescence’ occurs frequently in the literature of librarianship and information science. In numerous papers we are told how most published literature becomes obsolete within a measurable time, and that an item receives half the uses it will ever receive (‘half‐life’) in a few years. ‘Obsolescence’ is however very rarely defined, and its validity, interest, and practical value are often assumed rather than explained. Before reviewing studies on ‘obsolescence’, therefore, it is necessary to look at the concept and to identify the reasons why it should be of interest.

The purpose of this paper is to review what is known about obsolescence and its causes, and provide a critique of how it is reflected in valuations.

The method has been to review the literature on obsolescence to examine the main causes and whether there are approaches that can identify the vulnerability of buildings to the business models they are designed to satisfy becoming outmoded.

Obsolescence is an inherent part of the way in which market economies function as new competitors disrupt established business models. Investors need better methods to evaluate the risk that obsolescence poses to their portfolios.

Obsolescence can result in significant unpredicted losses of value.

Much of the literature on obsolescence treats it in the same way as depreciation without recognising its unpredictable nature. The paper explores alternative approaches to how obsolescence might be measured.

The authors aim to measure the effects of ambidextrous innovation and its mix strategy on organizational obsolescence with the moderating roles of environmental turbulence.

Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses on the basis of the survey data of 198 firm employees in China.

Both exploratory and exploitative innovations significantly restrain organizational obsolescence. The complementary strategy of ambidextrous innovation is negatively correlated to organizational obsolescence, but the impact of balanced strategy is not significant. Environmental turbulence negatively moderates the relationship between exploratory innovation and organizational obsolescence, whereas it cannot moderate the effect of exploitative innovation.

The empirical and conceptual findings have important implications for organizations countering obsolescence through the construction of a mix strategy of ambidextrous innovation. This study enriches and extends obsolescence theory by introducing the joint mechanism of ambidextrous innovation and environmental turbulence.

The purpose of this paper is to present the model-driven decision support system (DSS) for small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs) that actively participates in collaborative activities and manages the planned obsolescence in production. In dealing with the complexity of such demand and supply scenario, the optimisation models are also developed to evaluate the performance of operations practices.

The model-driven DSS for SMMEs, which uses the optimisation models for managing and coordinating planned obsolescence, is developed to determine the optimal manufacturing plan and minimise operating costs. A case application with the planned obsolescence and production scenario is also provided to demonstrate the approach and practical insights of DSS.

Assessing planned obsolescence in production is a challenge for manufacturing managers. A DSS for SMMEs can enable the computerised support in decision making and understand the planned obsolescence scenarios. The causal relationship of different time-varying component obsolescence and availability in production are also examined, which may have an impact on the overall operating costs for producing manufactured products.

DSS can resolve and handle the complexity of production and planned obsolescence scenarios in manufacturing industry. The optimisation models used in the DSS excludes the variability in component wear-out life and technology cycle. In the future study, the optimisation models in DSS will be extended by taking into the uncertainty of different component wear-out life and technology cycle considerations.

This paper demonstrates the flexibility of DSS that facilitates the optimisation models for collaborative manufacturing in planned obsolescence and achieves cost effectiveness.