Cellular formation is one of the most active areas of manufacturing research because efficient cells are vital to competitive manufacturing. Issues discussed relate to the development, implementation, and evaluation of machine manufacturing systems. Focusing on how machines are chosen for tasks and how they are grouped into efficient and cost- effective assemblies, the editors surveyed the current body of research and provide the latest techniques, methodologies, algorithms and tools for practical implementation considering today's computerized and automated manufacturing environment.

Written in a lecture format with solved problems at the end of each chapter, this book surveys quantitative modeling and decision analysis techniques. It serves to familiarize the reader with quantitative techniques utilized in planning and optimizing complex systems, as well as students experiencing the subject for the first time. It can be used by students of business and public administration without a background in calculus as well as engineers with significant scientific training. It allows the reader to comprehend the material through examples and problems and also demonstrates the...