D.J. Hamblin

A consideration of modelling techniques that can be used to evaluate manufacturing strategies

Practising engineers frequently seek to understand what the effects of various manufacturing strategies will be on the performance of their production facilities. In this situation a computer model can help to provide insight and form predictions about future manufacturing system performance. Various types of modelling methods exist and each provide models that have distinct characteristics. This paper presents a review of popular modelling techniques and, based on the results of a structured experimental study, summarises their capabilities to support the evaluation of manufacturing strategies.

Developing a multivariate manufacturing company performance model: Effects of technology and investment on two-dimensional firm performance

The research aims to make a methodological contribution to the field of manufacturing practice-performance relationship studies by researching the relationships between cumulative investment, technology usage and two-dimensional performance measures in particular. A multivariate regression model has been developed to test the relationships and to explore the utility of the model. A UK cross-sectional manufacturing database covering a long period has been used to test the developed multiple outputs model. The conclusions are given on the relationships between these factors and are also generalized to define the useful contribution that such models make to the theory development for relationship studies and the possible benefits to practitioners.

Modelling Techniques for the Analysis of a Manufacturing Strategy

Previous research has failed to explicitly and thoroughly address the evaluation-choice routine in manufacturing strategy formulation. An analytical mechanism appearing supportive to this task is modelling. However, a reliable foundation of knowledge about models in manufacturing system analysis does not exist. This paper contributes to a redress of this situation by providing a contemporary and comprehensive taxonomy that will allow a fresh look to be taken of models for manufacturing strategy evaluation.