Analyze product life cycle with regard to reverse logistics and supply chains in general and with regard to Owen's & Minor. 

a) Describe product life cycle in general terms. That is, what are the stages of a product's life cycle? 

How do considerations like manufacturing time (i.e., from raw materials to finished, marketable good) and product shelf life impact the overall value line of products? 

b) Discuss the potential for a reverse logistics model to reduce costs in terms of product life cycle. In other words, when is it and when is it not cost effective to return products through a reverse logistics model? 

c) Discuss the potential for a reverse logistics model to optimize the supply chain in terms of product life cycle. In other words, are there elements of the supply chain that could be reduced or eliminated (resulting in overall cost savings) by implementing reverse logistics? 

d) Analyze the relationship between product life cycle and reverse logistics with regard to Owen's & Minor. How might the relationship benefit Owen's & Minor in terms of cost savings and supply chain optimization?