Compares the bullwhip properties of a vendor managed inventory (VMI) supply chain with those of a traditional “serially‐linked” supply chain. The emphasis of this investigation is the comparative impact the two structures have on the “bullwhip effect” generated. Particular attention is...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the relationships among the three elements of the theory of constraints (TOC), a number of observable outcomes expected to be associated with the application of TOC, and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – A...

The design of an effective inventory control system is difficult, particularly if the demand fluctuates widely and in a seasonal manner. Most traditional analytical models seem to be inadequate and over‐simplified. An alternative to established mathematical models is suggested and control...

The application of the Kanban system in a practical environment is reported. The objective was to determine the optimal number of Kanbans for each component part. The effect of the time interval between replenishment of parts on the amount of work‐in‐process inventory was also investigated....

This article considers the effect of freight discounts and disposals on the inventory policies of a profit‐maximising firm with price‐elastic demand and with price as a mark‐up on the acquisition cost. In addition, the cost of placing an order is in part dependent upon a freight‐cost...

Focuses on schemes to reduce inventory miscounts from the operational management point of view. An internal audit procedure is devised for identifying most of the data‐entry errors, which are one of the main causes of inventory miscounts during the flow of material through in‐transit...

Presents a simple method for determining an optimum ordering policy for the single‐period inventory problem with a set‐up cost of ordering and the uncertain total demand over the period represented by a uniform probability density function, the distribution reflecting the decision maker′s...

Two distinct models of delivery reliability versus delivery speed are tested. On the basis of data from a survey of 193 manufacturing firms, factors associated with the “planning” systems of firms, such as production‐plan goals achieved, inventory goals achieved, and master schedule...

Quantitative forecasting techniques see their greatest application as part of production and inventory systems. Perhaps unfortunately, the problem has been left to systems analysts while the professional societies have contented themselves with exhortations to improve forecasting, neglecting...

Despite the almost universal belief to the contrary, inventory reduction should not be a major objective for investing in advanced manufacturing technology because the financial benefits from it can be relatively small compared with other benefits. This article describes how changes in inventory...