This paper provides a synthesis of world class manufacturing literature by identifying eight critical factors of world class status in a manufacturing environment. These factors can be used individually or collectively to assess a profile or organization‐wide world class manufacturing...

In this paper, a methodology for minimizing downside risks in relationship to the supplier base, supplier capacities, purchase-order-quantity, purchase-order-time, and selling-price is presented. Specific purchasing and selling strategies to minimize downside risks when suppliers have limited...