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Article
Publication date: 1 November 2005

Geoff Buxey

The paper reports on the ramifications for production planning when monthly sales exhibit predictable seasonal highs and lows. The literature first acknowledged and dealt with the…

11278

Abstract

Purpose

The paper reports on the ramifications for production planning when monthly sales exhibit predictable seasonal highs and lows. The literature first acknowledged and dealt with the (aggregate planning) problem 50 years ago. Nevertheless, there is neither evidence that industry has adopted any of the mathematical techniques that were subsequently developed, nor a convincing explanation as to why not. Hence this research sets out to discover the methods manufacturers use to cope with seasonal demand, and how germane the published algorithms really are.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty‐two case studies were compiled by interviewing senior managers and then conducting plant tours. No prior assumptions were made and the list of questions covered the gamut of production planning.

Findings

The main finding is that manufacturers select a straightforward production strategy, right from the outset, so the fundamental cost‐balancing format is not relevant. The majority pick a “chase” strategy, since most organizations subscribe to a “just in time” ethos. Whenever a different strategy is preferred the rationale springs from skilled labour considerations or binding facilities constraints. The chosen strategy serves as a road map for resources acquisitions, and the master production schedule is constructed directly. So, the complex issue of how to disaggregate an optimal aggregate plan never even arises. Managers do not seek perfect solutions, but strive to eliminate, or contain, the most significant marginal costs. The nature of the business determines the most appropriate tactics to employ.

Originality/value

These findings break the mould as far as orthodox aggregate planning is concerned and show why theory is at odds with practice, whilst reaffirming the importance of concepts such as “flexibility”, “integration”, and “just‐in‐time production”.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 25 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1993

Geoff Buxey

When sales vary significantly according to season, the manufacturermakes special provisions to integrate the acquisition of raw materialsand labour with an effective production

1761

Abstract

When sales vary significantly according to season, the manufacturer makes special provisions to integrate the acquisition of raw materials and labour with an effective production schedule which satisfies customers′ requirements. The recommended procedure is called aggregate planning, and many algorithms produce a good definitive solution. However, they have been ignored by industry. The empirical research presented here looks at such planning in a sample of 20 Australian factories. It sheds some light on the acknowledged gap between theory and practice, and suggests that business strategy, the extent of the seasonal distortion, and the tactical remedies available, are all linked. Strategic and tactical considerations tend to bypass the aggregate planning step, and the problem is ultimately resolved at the master production schedule level.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 13 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1999

Joao Lisboa and Mahmoud Yasin

This study examines the impact of workforce level restriction on the aggregate production planning problem. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the solution…

694

Abstract

This study examines the impact of workforce level restriction on the aggregate production planning problem. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the solution to the aggregate production problem appears to be the same regardless of workforce level restriction. Additional research utilizing multi‐industry large‐scale data is needed to test the applicability of findings derived from the current study.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 99 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2021

Gustavo Magalhães de Oliveira, Gaetano Martino, Stefano Ciliberti, Angelo Frascarelli and Gabriele Chiodini

This study aims to investigate farmer preferences regarding sales contracts for durum wheat in Italy.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate farmer preferences regarding sales contracts for durum wheat in Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider that contracts are formed by an organisational entity that is in charge of transferring decision and property rights based on reductions in transaction costs. The empirical analysis presents a discrete choice experiment with three distinct models that was performed by a survey of 160 wheat farmers in southern Italy.

Findings

The results show that contractual terms affect the probability of both a contract being signed and allocating decision rights due to their effects on price, technology and quality.

Practical implications

This study provides some insights on which contractual attributes could support the wider use of contracts along the durum wheat supply chain in Italy.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that contracts are relevant not only to the coordination of agri-food chains because of price stabilisation but also due to their impacts on technology and quality strategies.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 123 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1986

ANTONIO DI NOLA, WITOLD PEDRYCZ and SALVATORE SESSA

A problem of handling fuzzy quantities in a process of knowledge acquisition and deriving an inference mechanism by means of fuzzy relation equations is studied in extensive way…

Abstract

A problem of handling fuzzy quantities in a process of knowledge acquisition and deriving an inference mechanism by means of fuzzy relation equations is studied in extensive way. It is clearly pointed out that both of them are closely related and correspond to various types of fuzzy relation equations that are considered. Their relevance to the form of knowledge collected is also indicated. A problem of dimension reduction of a knowledge base is considered as well. Two modes of the use of the knowledge base (goal‐, and data‐driven) are also studied.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 15 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Article
Publication date: 31 July 2018

Xiomara Fernanda Quiñones Ruiz, Hanna Forster, Marianne Penker, Giovanni Belletti, Andrea Marescotti, Silvia Scaramuzzi, Kristina Broscha, Michael Braito and Christine Altenbuchner

The protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) supports producers to define common quality standards while highlighting the geographical origin of food products with specific…

Abstract

Purpose

The protection of Geographical Indications (GIs) supports producers to define common quality standards while highlighting the geographical origin of food products with specific qualities. Adaptations of quality standards are driven by international competition, new production technologies or environmental change. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the modifications affecting European Union (EU) Protected Designation of Origin-Protected Geographical Indication. It specifically compares the share of amendments in diverse product class, years and countries, illustrates specific cases and identifies the factors explaining the probability to amend product specifications.

Design/methodology/approach

Official documents of the DOOR Database provide the material for an analysis of changes in product specifications. They also supply the data for four illustrative cheese cases and a logistic regression of all EU amendments.

Findings

Amendments of GI product specifications are very frequent: 17 per cent of all 1,276 EU GIs had at least one amendment. This happens in particular for processed products (42 per cent more often than for unprocessed ones) and specific countries (GIs in Italy are six times, Spain five times and France four times more likely to have an amendment compared to GIs from other EU countries). As illustrated by contrasting cheese amendments, the diverse modifications in the product specifications range from more flexibility and innovation on the one hand to stricter rules for strengthening the product’s identity on the other hand.

Originality/value

For EU and national authorities, GI producers and scholars, this first systematic EU-wide analysis of amendments demonstrates that protected food GIs have to be conceptualised as evolving institutions and not as statically protected food production systems.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 120 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1992

Frederick Hayes‐Roth

Because much human knowledge consists of elementary fragments of know‐how, applying a significant amount of knowledge requires new ways to organize decision‐making fragments into…

Abstract

Because much human knowledge consists of elementary fragments of know‐how, applying a significant amount of knowledge requires new ways to organize decision‐making fragments into competent wholes. Knowledge systems collect these fragments in a knowledge base and then access the knowledge base to reason about each specific problem. As a consequence, knowledge systems differ from conventional programs in the way they're organized, the way they incorporate knowledge, the way they execute, and the impression they create through their interactions. Knowledge systems simulate expert human performance, and they present a humanlike facade to the user.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 10 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Article
Publication date: 29 November 2017

Huthaifa AL-Khazraji, Colin Cole and William Guo

The purpose of this study is to propose a new dynamic model of a production-inventory control system. The objective of the new model is to maximise the flexibility of the system…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a new dynamic model of a production-inventory control system. The objective of the new model is to maximise the flexibility of the system so that it can be used by decision makers to design inventory systems that adopt various strategies that provide a balance between reducing the bullwhip effect and improving the responsiveness of inventory performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed production-inventory control system is modelled and analysed via control theory and simulations. The production-inventory feedback control system is modelled through continuous time differential equations. The simulation experiments design is conducted by using the state-space model of the system. The Automatic Pipeline Inventory and Order-Based Production Control System (APIOBPCS) model is used as a benchmark production-inventory control system.

Findings

The results showed that the Two Automatic Pipelines, Inventory and Order-Based Production Control System (2APIOBPCS) model outperforms APIOBPCS in terms of reducing the bullwhip effect. However, the 2APIOBPCS model has a negative impact on Customer Service Level. Therefore, with careful parameter setting, it is possible to design control decisions to be suitably responsive while generating smooth order patterns and obtain the best trade-off of the two objectives.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the dynamics of single-echelon production-inventory control systems with zero desired inventory level.

Originality/value

This present model is an extension and improvement to Towill’s (1982) and John et al.’s (1994) work, since it presents a new dynamic model of a production-inventory control system which utilises an additional flow of information to improve the efficiency of order rate decisions.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 46 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2013

A.S. White and M. Censlive

Lalwani et al. devised a controllable state-space model for a general APVIOBPCS production and inventory system. However, their procedure did not cater for production delays of…

Abstract

Purpose

Lalwani et al. devised a controllable state-space model for a general APVIOBPCS production and inventory system. However, their procedure did not cater for production delays of other than one time unit. The authors have sought to devise a model that allows for any value of production delay.

Design/methodology/approach

A discrete z transform model of APVIOBPCS inventory is obtained using conventional algebra and converted to a state-space model using a reachable control formulation. This is then analysed to produce an analytic expression for the eigenvalues and then the general stability solution is derived from the unit circle condition.

Findings

This model allows a state-space model conversion from a discrete time input-output model using an exponential production delay with no loss of generality and is fully controllable and observable. Stability of these models can be obtained from the system eigenvalues and agrees with the authors' previously published stability boundaries using transform models.

Research limitations/implications

The system is described by a linear control model of the production process and does not include production limits or other resource limitations. It does not include any past history of sales demand and responses.

Practical implications

This work allows a model to be implemented in a spreadsheet of APVIOBPCS PIC that can be used for any production delay and can be modified to include different sales smoothing procedures.

Originality/value

This present model is an extension and improvement of the model devised by Lalwani, in that it allows more accurate modelling of inventory production systems by permitting a more flexible selection of delay parameter values, closer to those of real systems.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Beyond the Digital Divide: Contextualizing the Information Society
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-548-7

21 – 30 of over 73000