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During recent decades, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) from computer science, psychology and linguistics has created a great impact on the design and implementation of process planning systems. This article provides a review of the state‐of‐the‐art AI‐based automated process planning systems. A generalised framework for expert process planning systems is proposed and prospective research issues are discussed.

The main purpose of a Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) is simultaneously to process parts with small to medium lot sizes and high varieties. The rule despatching problem in a Flexible Manufacturing Cell (FMC) is examined using a simulation model. This is based on an algorithm for dynamically selecting the best despatching rule according to the current system status. Comparison between simulation runs with and without dynamic rule despatching shows that the proposed algorithm gives a better overall performance.

Under acute global competitive pressure, many companies have viewed product diversification as a strategic weapon with which to win market shares. Nevertheless, product diversification increases costs and sometimes degrades product quality. Many businesses today confront the dilemma of whether to broaden product lines or to focus production. This article explores both theoretically and empirically the possible impacts of product diversification. The emerging technologies and adaptive manufacturing strategies, potentially meeting a variety of customer needs while enhancing other competitive advantages, are examined.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the business potential of mobile video services in China via the case study of M‐Vzone.com. It answers two research questions: what are the important factors that affect the adoption of mobile video services for individuals and enterprises? How much the value was added along the mobile video service chain and how were the benefits are realized?

Grounded in traditional technology adoption and information diffusion theories, the paper uses an exploratory research approach, including interviews and further analysis from published sources.

The authors' analysis suggests that three key factors contributed to the success of m‐commerce in the Chinese context: stronger customer relationship management; enhanced video/operation performance; and easier access to resources. From post‐investigation of the results, the authors also found that small‐ to mid‐sized Chinese owners showed a shift from an imitative to an incremental innovative mode of business thinking and practice.

This is the first study that examines mobile video commerce from a business and innovation perspective in China, to the best of the authors' knowledge. The paper investigates opinions from stakeholders directly involved in a mobile video web site and conducts a detailed analysis on the related value chain network. The findings will be of interest to decision makers in the mobile industry, especially those from small‐ to medium‐sized companies searching for an effective way toward service innovation. The paper can serve as a good foundation for future research into mobile service adoption and service innovation topics.

The application of just‐in‐time manufacturing techniques in batch chemical processing environments, under conditions of variable demand, imposes significant capacity management problems. Making decisions which involve levels of customer service and resource untilization can be aided by the application of the calculation methodology outlined, which uses standard spreadsheet techniques and forecast queue analysis. Presents a case example to clarify the links between service levels and resource utilization which can aid management decisions regarding timing, levels of stocks and sizing of facilities.