Final answer:
The statement is true; the phase-out approach to product deletion does exploit any remaining strengths in a product before it is completely discontinued.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, the phase-out approach to product deletion indeed exploits any strengths left in the product before it is completely removed from the market. When a company decides to phase out a product, it is usually because the product has become less competitive, outdated, or less profitable. However, by gradually reducing the presence of the product, the company can still capitalize on the remaining customer base, brand loyalty, or any other residual strengths the product has. This allows the company to maximize returns and minimize waste, potentially offering the product to a niche market that may still find value in it. Examples of this include older technology such as the early smartphones or MP3 players, which, despite being overshadowed by newer models, still have a following or certain functionality that some users are looking for. The nostalgia for devices like the Sony Discman or a simple DVD player might drive a small market even when newer technologies are available. Therefore, the phase-out approach can be seen as a strategic move in product management to extract the remaining value from a product before it becomes obsolete.