Many firms operating in the international marketplace are hampered by their organisational structures; that is, their structures and managerial practices do not match the requirements imposed by multinational operations. International operations require an organisational structure that can...

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a minimum time algorithm to intercept an object on a conveyor belt by a robotic manipulator. The goal is that the robot is able to intercept objects on a conveyor line moving at a given speed in minimum time. Design/methodology/approach – In...

This article discusses the application of MRP on a microcomputer using the very popular electronic spreadsheet software. The illustration may be more of a managerial exercise than a true real world application, but illustrates the potential of this type of analysis. In fact, in smaller business...

Yield should be equally considered alongside usage rate and monetary value when managing materials. The precise impact that good yield management (or the lack of it) has on a company will vary from business to business depending on the sensitivity to variations in yield achievement. In order to...

The present packaging materials purchasing procedures of a wine and spirits manufacturing company are analysed and reviewed with respect to updating its information gathering and procurement techniques. Established practices can be improved by performance audits and strategic procurement...

Just‐in‐time manufacturing is a Western adaptation of an influential Japanese idea: the existence of inventory is a way of covering up inefficiencies of procurement, production and marketing. JIT in a western context will often be an extension of the advanced manufacturing techniques...