Modelling in Support of Continuous Improvements Towards Achieving World Class Operations

This paper is concerned with the relevance of mathematical modelling for organizations striving to achieve World Class Operations Management (WCOM) where the latter is viewed as a management philosophy that fosters rapid development and delivery, at reasonable cost, of high quality products and services. Continuous improvements are an integral part of WCOM. Existing mathematical models are reviewed and it is seen that almost all are of a conceptual nature as opposed to being in a form that would facilitate easy use by an organization in choosing among proposed improvement alternatives. Some suggestions for research topics are presented.

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