On the basis of studies of 35 personnel managers who had introduced computerisation and a detailed comprehensive case study of the introduction of computerisation into the personnel function, the factors that differentiate adoptors into the categories of “Stars”, “Radicals”,...

The case is argued for a coherent, conceptual framework for operations management practice, system design and education. The framework described here is concise. It is defined by eight tenets which are individually reinforced by practical examples. The set is central to the philosophy of CIM and...

Three changes in the rules used to control a manufacturing unit, which were suggested by simple control engineering concepts, have been examined. A model of an actual make‐for‐stock shop, driven by real order time‐series, was used to examine the impact of the rule changes on a production...

Information technology companies are having to broaden their overall strategic view in deference to the premise that it is better to be market‐driven than technology‐led. Cost and technical performance are o longer the only considerations, as quality and service now demand equal recognition....

Implementation is a key process in the effective development of Advanced Manufacturing Systems. Specifically, implementation should not be confused with installation of the technology for it involves change in companies on a much wider front than mere technological change. Change has to be...

Increasingly, companies are looking for more efficient ways of distributing their goods and are turning to Computer‐assisted Vehicle Routeing Systems (CAVRS) to replace manual routeing systems. The aim of CAVRS is to reduce the cost of distribution without adversely affecting service. A...

There are many practical difficulties facing managers who decide to venture into the field of Expert Systems. They will have to cope with both technological and human problems. Care must be taken in choosing the application, software house, hardware and software. A company may decide to build an...

Copystatic Ltd entered the photocopying sales and maintenance market‐place in tire early 1970s, going through a boom and then a price war. In order to stay in business, the company took the decision to offer customers added value in the form of quality field service, or “uptime”. It...

Market analysis has established its usefulness in many businesses and represents a major advance in marketing methodology. Computer power generates an information system of enormous importance to the marketer. Market analysis unifies and integrates marketing activity in a way that has previously...