Does the life cycle perspective require a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

No. ISO 14001 requires a life cycle perspective, a way of broadening the view to all relevant stages, not a full life cycle assessment (governed by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044). The organisation chooses its level of detail.

Which life cycle stages must be considered?

Raw material acquisition, design, production, transport and distribution, use, then end of life (reuse, recycling, disposal). You consider the stages over which the organisation has control or influence.

Where does the life cycle perspective appear in ISO 14001?

Mainly in clause 6 (determining environmental aspects from a life cycle perspective) and clause 8 (operational control: procurement requirements, communication to suppliers, information on the use and end of life of the product).

How do you apply the life cycle perspective in practice?

By mapping the life cycle of your main products, identifying the significant aspects at each stage, then acting on what you control or influence: procurement specifications, supplier selection, use instructions and end-of-life channels.