This book covers the design and improvement of single and multistage production systems. Following the standard production planning and scheduling decision hierarchy, it describes the inputs and outputs at each level of the decision hierarchy and one or more decision approaches. The assumptions leading to each approach are included along with the details of the model and the corresponding solution. Modern system concepts and the engineering methods for creating lean production systems are included.

Unique in its focus on design and analysis methodologies for all areas of material flow management and system resource usage. Features research techniques that demonstrate the difference between opinions and findings, leading--edge approach to facility layout and a comprehensive queueing network.