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Schedule instability is a major problem in companies using material requirements planning (MRP) systems. The effectivenesss of using buffer stock to combat nervousness in the master production schedule (MPS) of an MRP system is investigated. An example scenario illustrates the need for caution in using buffer stock for reducing schedule instability. Detailed simulation results are presented which suggest the need for further research to understand the role of buffer stock in achieving stable master production schedules.

Cellular manufacturing is the organisation of manufacturing equipment based on the requirements of the product or component. Transition to cellular manufacturing generally requires reorganisation of existing equipment. It is likely that the existing equipment alone is not suitable for a cellular layout. During the cell planning and design phase equipment investment analysis is important to identify equipment needs. Transition from job shop production to cellular production is detailed. Cell formation and cell evaluation techniques are provided to assist in equipment procurement decisions. In particular, a structured procedure and analytical tools are given to evaluate fully the cellular system to identify appropriate equipment and methods. A case example is provided to explain the procedure.

Changes frequently made to material delivery schedules (MDSs) accumulate upstream in the supply chain (SC), causing a bullwhip effect. This article seeks to elucidate how dynamic complexity generates MDS instability at OEMs in the automotive industry.

An exploratory multiple-case study methodology involved in-depth semistructured interviews with informants at three automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Dynamic complexity destabilizes MDSs primarily via internal horizontal interactions between product and process complexities and demand and SC complexities. A network of complexity interactions causes and moderates such instability through complexity absorption and generation and complexity importation and exportation.

The multiple-case study contributes to empirical knowledge about the dynamics of MDS instability. Deductive research to validate the identified relationships remains for Future research.

In revealing antecedents of complexity’s effect on MDS instability, the findings imply the need to develop strategies, programs, and policies dedicated to improving capacity scalability, supplier flexibility, and the flexibility of material order fulfillment.

Building on complexity literature, the authors operationalize complexity transfer and develop a framework for analyzing dynamic complexity in SCs, focusing on complexity interactions. The identification and categorization of interactions provide a granular view of the dynamic complexity that generates MDS instability. The identified and proposed importance of readiness of the SC to absorb complexity challenges the literature focus on external factors for explaining complexity outcomes. The results can be used to operationalize such dynamic interactions by introducing new variables and networks of relationships. Moreover, the work showcases how a complexity perspective could be used to discern the root causes of a complex phenomenon driven by non-linear relationships.

Literature in entrepreneurial marketing (EM) continues to grow in volume and diversity. This paper aims to examine the topical structure of EM’s literature toward guiding research in the field.

A four-phase bibliometric research design is implemented, encompassing co-citation and bibliographic-coupling analyses, network analysis, factor analysis and correspondence analysis.

In total, 14 EM literature clusters, comprising 7 topical meta-clusters, are mapped and discussed: the 7 clusters are resources and capabilities, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), measurement, EO/marketing orientation (MO) integration, MO, international entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.

These topical streams confirm, refine and extend prior bibliometric studies. A more comprehensive, extensive and reliable picture of EM’s literature is provided, the result of using over twice as many references as prior studies and peer-reviewed journals only. Results will help guide EM research, contributing toward the field’s empirical/theoretical development.

In recent years, student-managed investment funds (SMIFs), experiential learning programs at an increasing number of universities, have attracted significant scholarly interest. In this article, we review the academic literature on this pedagogy.

We use the systematic review method to assess a sample of 85 articles published in 30 journals during the period 1975 to 2020.

Our literature review reveals four streams of research: best practices and challenges, investment management, innovation and trends and SMIFs in a research setting. We also propose future research directions, including specific gaps in the literature, a focus on innovations to traditional programs, systematic investment performance and expansion into behavioral finance issues.

We contribute a comprehensive view of the body of scholarship on SMIFs, identifying existing streams of research and future research directions that will help guide the development of SMIF research into a cohesive and productive space.

The purpose of the paper is to provide a conceptual/theoretical foundation to enhance the body of knowledge related to supply chain interdependence and technology‐enabled coordination.

The paper heavily engaged itself in the theory/literature related to coordination theory, interdependence theory, interdependence, coordination and supply chain technologies to formulate the theoretical propositions.

From the literature/theoretical bases, the paper derived a total (include sub‐components) of eight theoretical propositions related to interdependence, coordination and technology enablers.

While technology enabled‐coordination is central to supply chain management, there is a lack of a prescriptive view present in the literature. By deriving insights from the rich literature related to coordination theory and interdependence theory, we provide a theoretical foundation for future research to enhance the body of knowledge related to the systematic application of technology to foster the appropriate coordination strategy.

Although empirical support is warranted, the proposed concepts related to technology‐enabled coordination offer pragmatic advice to managers.

The paper provides a theoretical foundation for future research to enhance the body of knowledge related to the systematic application of technology to foster the appropriate coordination strategies.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the contribution of production and operations managers (POMs) and logistics managers (LMs) in improving manufacturing and service operations, comparing experiences in Australia and Britain.

The findings are based on surveys of the two occupations in the two countries. Thus, the focus is on comparing and contrasting two strategically placed occupations within the supply chain and in two traditional manufacturing economies in developed countries, in opposing hemispheres of the world.

The working lives of 254 Australian and 195 British POMs and 303 Australian and 168 British LMs are explored to see how well prepared they are for the business challenges of today, whether they see the need for changes in the ways in which they work and what satisfactions they derive from their worlds of work?

Insights are provided for senior management into the deployment and personal and professional development needs of two key occupations within supply chain management.

The findings from the research give fresh insights into the ways in which managers in the two areas of responsibilities in the two countries.view their worlds of work

The purpose of this paper is to revisit Igor Ansoff's work and how it interfaces with the various schools of strategic management.

Ansoff's work of 40 years is reviewed and related to other schools of thought in strategic management.

Ansoff's work is much more comprehensive than the literature suggests. His later work (after 1990) is largely unnoticed by academics, nevertheless, it is the empirical findings of his theoretical postulations. Moreover, his work interfaces with virtually all schools of thought in strategic management.

It will provide a broader view of Ansoff's work and perhaps trigger additional research as a result of his later work. Most researchers continue to associate Ansoff with his early thoughts.

Ansoff's work has found wide applications in a variety of industries. His work was mostly with industries that used his propositions in order to better strategies.

Ansoff's later research and empirical findings could provide a launchpad for re‐examining the method by which organizations assess their environment, strategic behaviour, and internal capability. Therefore, organizations may have an alternative method to develop strategy.

This is the first attempt to provide a historical view of Ansoff's work and perhaps his timeliness. The recent economic crisis only further supports Ansoff's basic position that companies must create custom strategies to fit their environment, culture, and capabilities.

This article examines the careers and changing roles of British production and operations managers through three surveys covering the last quarter of the twentieth century. Careers are examined in terms of both their organisational context and the subjective experiences of those who have chosen this field, during a period of great turbulence for manufacturing due to growing global competition. The persistent features of such roles and responsibilities are contrasted with the changes in focus and demands. The managers' sources of satisfaction and frustration are outlined as are their perceptions of their situation in relation to managers in other areas. The article concludes by considering what has changed and what needs to change, in order for manufacturing to gain maximum benefit from the contribution of these managers.