Present and potential uses of microcomputers in teaching operations and production management are examined. Microcomputers are generally available to most students and managers. Difficulties lie in developing the most effective learning methods using microcomputers instead of expecting students...

Spreadsheet software is now widely used as a decision‐making tool, owing to the simplicity and ease with which generalists can analyse and obtain fast and precise information. Through spreadsheet programs, a on‐specialist can conduct an exhaustive “what if” search in order to make...

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...

Industrial robots are increasingly used by many manufacturing firms. The number of robot manufacturers has also increased, with many of these firms now offering a wide range of robots. A potential user is thus faced with many options in both performance and cost. Proposes a decision model for...

Describes an integrative microcomputer‐based exercise, ITEC, used in teaching manufacturing strategy and manufacturing planning and control courses. The exercise allows students the opportunity to gain actual experience in making strategic decisions in manufacturing and in managing the flow of...

Students studying operations management often lack a framework for relating their experiences to the subject at hand. Describes the university decision making process in the context of the closed‐loop MRP model. The university is familiar to students, so it gives them a point of reference in...

Increasing emphasis is being placed on integrated thinking in business decision making. Part of that emphasis requires a better understanding of the basic concepts that are used to add value to products and services that are consumed in the channel system. Presents a conceptualization which can...

Managers often face the problem of making project decisions that involve a large number of interrelated activities – the planning and scheduling of which is project management. These problems often arise in areas such as product development, production planning and control and setting up of...

Aims to identify factors which affect the location decisions of companies in the Greek metal industry. Attempts to determine what these factors are, how important they are relative to each other and how important taxes and inducements (financial factor) are in the process of location decision...

Decentralization of mental health services delivery through the implementation of community‐based mental health centres has greatly increased the complexity in the administration of US mental health programmes. Decision makers have to allocate limited resources between traditional hospital...