What is the term for the successive movement of a product through its various life stages?

The correct answer, "Product life cycle," refers to the series of stages that a product goes through from its initial introduction to the market, through its growth and maturity, and ultimately to its decline. The concept encompasses all the phases a product experiences, including development, market introduction, growth in sales, market saturation, and decline, often leading to discontinuation. Understanding the product life cycle is essential for effective planning in marketing, production, and resource allocation, as strategies may differ significantly during each stage.

In contrast, "Product development cycle" typically focuses on the initial stages of bringing a product from concept to market, emphasizing the planning and design phases rather than the entire lifespan of the product. "Product management cycle" refers more to the ongoing processes involved in managing a product's performance and strategy, rather than the sequential phases of the product itself. "Product release cycle" is often associated explicitly with the timing and planning of product launches, which is just one aspect of the broader life cycle. Therefore, the term "Product life cycle" is the most comprehensive and accurate in describing the successive movement of a product through its various stages.