Front cover: The participatory nature of Life Cycle Management. The picture illustrates the choices we make as consumers (or voters) and, in doing so, manage life cycle challenges. See the Editorial by Thomas Swarr, pp. 217–218, on the key issues facing consumers and firms. - - Cover idea: Tom Swarr (thomas.swarr@utc.com). - - Cover design: Edwin Grondinger, abavo GmbH, Nebelhornstraße 8, 86807 Buchloe, Germany (edwin.grondinger@abavo.de; http://www.abavo.de)