We examine a situation where a manufacturer operates in a two-mode production environment. The first mode could involve overseas vendors and manufacturing facilities. If additional units are later required, the company must use its second mode - more expensive last-minute domestic vendors and...

Abstract A supply chain is a network of facilities for activities such as raw materials procurement, finished goods manufacturing, and distribution of products to customers. Because of competitive pressures, many organizations have expanded their supply chains to include international sites for...

We discuss the importance of spreadsheets for optimization modeling, including a description of their limitations for large-scale problems. We then describe efficient ways to overcome these limits. Our approach makes use of Excel's standard functionality but augments Excel with its programming...

We present a model for determining the value of information sharing (forecast accuracy) when planning production in a supply chain environment. We examine the interaction of forecast errors, shortage vs. holding costs, and the cost of delaying production in a two-stage supply chain of a single...