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Empirical analysis of operations strategy of manufacturing firms for time-based manufacturing, based on absorptive capacity of labor, is presented.

Application of various methods for study of relation between operation strategy and supply management, based on strength of marketing-operation interface, is described.

The influence and significance of cultural aspects in a organization's operational management research decision making is evaluated.

Results of the research suggest that the lead plant might not have absolute control over important decisions in a multinational manufacturing network. It also suggests that developing a positive interdependence between the business headquarters and the other plants results in enhanced production.

We sketch the integral transform method in a close connection with its historical development and survey newer applications to problems in production economics and finance. Keywords: Laplace transform; Fourier transform; Production planning

Mass customization is an improved fit of the production with a customer's unique needs. The production management strategies that are associated with mass customization are delineated for businesses to achieve potential benefits.

The enormous savings that come from strategically managing sourcing and procurement have eluded most companies to date. Achieving and sustaining world-class procurement requires a combination of sound strategies, efficient procurement [...]

A number of authors have identified problematic issues with techniques used in current simulation practice for selecting probability distributions and their parameters for input to stochastic simulations. A major goal [...]

The article explores the purpose and use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and the issues managers should consider before investing in this technology. Alcoa's implementation and use of AGVs to improve its production process is presented as a case study., This article presents information on the purpose and use of automated guided vehicles, or AGVs, and the issues managers must consider before making the investment. Alcoa's aluminum company is presented [...]

A new method for creating a lower bound for standard encoding of the job-specific weights problem is presented. Three types of weights are included in the study: unit, common, and job-specific. A polynomial time algorithm is presented.

The problem of admission control and sequencing is discussed via a model that posits a production system that produces both made-to-stock and made-to-order products.

A study was conducted to analyze a framework for simultaneously obtaining the optimal run length and the production rate for a single item. In line with this, the item's output rate was characterized as a decision variable. It was then assumed that the production cost per unit was a quadratic function of the production rate. In addition, a numerical example and sensitivity analysis were carried out to characterize an iterative solution process.

A study was conducted to analyze a hybrid algorithm for the multi period multi product production planning problem. The algorithm supported mathematical programming and simulation frameworks of a manufacturing system. A production plan that is mathematically optimal and feasible was then developed. Results indicated that analytical models can be utilized with simulation frameworks to generate solutions for the problem.

The implementation of group technology as a way of factory organization is best carried out in conjunction with production flow analysis during the initial stage. Group technology involves the categorization of machine tools, human resources and other production resources. It is a newer organizational technique as compared to process organization, whose implementation is more widespread.

A simulated annealing algorithm is derived to deal with the problem of batching within the context of a flexible manufacturing system in production planning. The batching problem occurs because of the limited quantity of production resources. Computational results show that the derived algorithm performs quite well in terms of time and quality. Furthermore, the algorithm is considered applicable even for more difficult and bigger problems.

The use of just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing is not only limited to large corporations. Lately, a substantial number of smaller businesses have been implementing the JIT concept in their production facilities. However, two characteristics unique to such small job shops hinder their abilities to fully and successfully adopt the JIT philosophy. These are their wide array of products and limited operating revenues., Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, both as a philosophy and a disciplined method of production, has received much attention in the business community since its introduction nearly 20 years ago. The current [...]

Metalworking shops can boost their productivity and profitability with an efficient tool management system (TMS). Implementing one, however, requires several steps. In chronological order, these include auditing the tools available, examining the tool crib organization, drawing up objectives, studying all the options and forming a support group. The latter is crucial in justifying the need for a TMS budget before management., Effective tool management can make a major impact on the productivity and profitability of a metalworking operation. Recent studies have shown that an effectively implemented plan can increase machine cutting [...]

Production systems need to increase their safety stock as they operate closer to full capacity in order for their customer service levels to be maintained. Simulations are carried out to assess the relationship between excess capacity and stockout risk. The simulations are repeated using different values for average weekly demand and standard deviation of weekly demand. Results indicate that production capacity serves to increase the amount of safety stock needed to maintain a given service level.

In a widely expected move, Airbus will drop production of the A380 from 2021. Much like Concorde, the aesthetics have lost out to the economics. The superjumbo programme will become [...]

Several case studies are discussed, which show how the strategic use of advanced manufacturing technology can result in a superior marketing performance. Factors which impede the successful integration of manufacturing technology with marketing are identified. A number of recommendations to facilitating a greater linkage between technology and competitive strategy in the manufacturing environment are also prescribed.

The use of a time-based framework in corporate decision-making processes can lead to increased efficiency in the production capability of corporations. The importance of organizational quality and continuous development in the enhancement of corporate strategy can be shown in the successful workings of Japanese corporations. Two case studies involving the use of a time-based theoretical framework by an electronics components company and a gear manufacturer are presented.

'Manufacturing is manufacturing is manufacturing,' Thomas W. Strouble, Jr., Director-Manufacturing-Bearings-North & South America, The Timken Company (Canton, Ohio), comments, echoing Gertrude Stein. His remark, he goes onto explain, is based [...]

A friend of mine, wisened by more than 40 years in the global carmaking business, has a superlative or two for Mercedes-Benz. Retired (sort of) from an executive automobile engineering [...]