Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Malcolm Gladwell's "Tipping Point" theory posits that social epidemics are driven by three key types of people: Mavens, who are information specialists; Connectors, who have vast social networks; and Salesmen, who are persuasive communicators. The spread of an idea, product, or message reaches a critical mass or "tipping point" when these three archetypes are effectively engaged.

Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is a methodology applied to the design or redesign of products and processes, contrasting with DMAIC which improves existing ones. It aims to ensure the new design meets customer requirements and achieves Six Sigma quality levels from the outset. A common DFSS methodology is DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Verify).

A launch strategy where multiple small satellites are flown as secondary payloads on a rocket whose primary mission is to launch a larger, main satellite. This 'piggybacking' approach significantly reduces the cost for small satellite operators, as they only pay for a fraction of the total launch vehicle capacity, making space access more affordable and frequent for smaller players.

A group of numerous small satellites orbiting in a coordinated formation to achieve a common objective that a single, larger satellite cannot. These constellations provide global or near-global coverage with high revisit rates. Key applications include global broadband internet (Starlink), daily Earth observation (Planet Labs), and maritime/aviation tracking (Spire Global), enabled by the low cost of individual satellites.

The Unique Device Identification (UDI) system is a global standard for marking and identifying medical devices throughout their lifecycle. Mandated by regulators like the US FDA, a UDI consists of a device identifier (DI) for the specific model and a production identifier (PI) for batch, serial number, or expiration date. It enhances traceability, post-market surveillance, and patient safety.

The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) platform model is a technological and business framework that directly connects individuals to transact with each other, bypassing traditional intermediaries. In the sharing economy, these platforms facilitate the exchange of goods, services, or capital. They typically provide the underlying infrastructure, including search functionalities, payment processing systems, and crucial reputation and trust-building mechanisms.

A fundamental distinction in word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) is between "organic" and "amplified" WOM. Organic WOM occurs naturally when customers become advocates simply because they are happy with a product and have a natural desire to share their support. Amplified WOM occurs when marketers launch campaigns designed to encourage or accelerate WOM, such as through influencer outreach or referral programs.

A negative emissions technology that combines bioenergy production with carbon capture and storage. Biomass, which absorbs atmospheric CO2 as it grows, is combusted or processed to generate energy (electricity, heat, or biofuels). The resulting CO2 emissions from this process are then captured and permanently stored, typically in geological formations, resulting in a net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Cradle-to-Cradle (C2C) is a design philosophy that models human industry on nature's processes. It views materials as "nutrients" circulating in closed-loop systems. The framework distinguishes between two cycles: the biological cycle, for biodegradable materials that can safely return to the soil, and the technical cycle, for materials that are continuously reused or upcycled in industrial processes without losing quality.

A technology designed to remove carbon dioxide directly from the ambient atmosphere, where its concentration is very low (~420 ppm). The two primary approaches use either liquid solvent systems, where air is passed through chemical solutions (e.g., potassium hydroxide), or solid sorbent systems, where air passes over filter-like surfaces that chemically bind with CO2. The captured CO2 is then released for storage or utilization.

Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) is defined as software intended for medical purposes that functions without being part of a hardware medical device. Governed by bodies like the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), SaMD is categorized based on the criticality of the information it provides and the healthcare situation, influencing its regulatory requirements.