Methodologies in the Product Lifecycle Reference model for the evaluation of the performance of a PLM implementation

The paper investigates the main methodologies that exist in the product lifecycle and how they can be fostered by the new Product Lifecycle Management approach. Also taking into account the results of an empirical research conducted in 20 Italian Small and Medium Enterprises, the paper tries to define the relationships which exist between PLM (in its holistic definition) and the mentioned methodologies.