This paper proposes a systematic way of estimating the target selling price of a new product, at the early design stages of its development. The main objective of the method is to establish a robust price estimate strictly according to the market perspective. Based on concepts inspired by House of Quality, the proposed method uses the customer requirements (CR), as well as the perceived satisfaction of each CR, and estimates the selling price based on the price of competitive products. Using this price estimate and subtracting profit and overheads, the product target cost (material and labor) can be estimated, providing a critical input to the new product development team. The research focuses on simple assemblies, an area in which target costing is not yet widely used.

Transport operations constitute a critical prerequisite for the successful staging of a special event. Operations are more challenging to manage for those events that are infrequent and last for several days. In this case, the requirements for unconditional success, coupled with the uncertainties involved, necessitate robust contingency planning. This paper presents a methodological process for developing the transport-related contingency plans to address pre-identified emergencies in major events, such as the Olympic Games. War Games are proposed to test the resulting contingency plans and train the staff involved in plan implementation. The application of the methodological process to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games is presented, in which transport services were offered to over 50 000 members of the Olympic Family, 150 000 staff and volunteers, and 3.8 million spectators over a period of more than two weeks.