Integrated Manufacturing Systems: Volume 11 Issue 5

A case‐based reasoning approach to the make or buy decision

R.T. McIvor, P.K. Humphreys

Discusses a hybrid computer‐based system designed to assist companies in the make or buy decision, which is arguably the most fundamental component of manufacturing strategy. The…

Operational decisions for minimization of penalty cost in non‐pre‐emptive FMS

Shiu Hong Choi, James Siu Lung Lee

Minimizing penalty cost is one of the major objectives in FMS decision making when job‐due dates cannot be met. The study focuses on minimization of penalty cost when neither…

An integrated design approach for protective packaging

Chuchom Somchai, Sun‐Woh Lye, Hin‐Yuen Yeong

During handling and transportation, a product may be damaged due to mechanical shocks resulting mainly from impact. The current design practice of expandable polystyrene (EPS…

Forecasting demand and inventory management using Bayesian time series

T.A. Spedding, K.K. Chan

Discusses the development and evaluation of a forecasting model for inventory management in an advanced technology batch production environment. Traditional forecasting and…

Competitiveness strategies and AMT investment decisions

Peter G. Burcher, Gloria L. Lee

Examines the relationship between competitiveness strategies and decisions to invest in advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT). Findings are presented from a survey of UK…

Supply chain dynamics and optimization

Robert de Souza, Song Zice, Liu Chaoyang

An increase in business overheads due to the enterprise dynamics is postulated to be a cubic function of the area between the actual response of a company in the supply chain and…