Title: Evaluation of alternative advanced planning systems as a participatory process: investigation into a case study

Authors: Elio Padoano

Addresses: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via A. Valerio 10, Building C7, Trieste 34127, Italy

Abstract: The study presented in the article concerns the introduction of an advanced planning system (APS) in a medium-sized manufacturing company, a decision which has significant effects on production planning and control activities and on order management. In order to assure the technical validity of the new system and the feasibility of the required changes to routine operations, a specific process of analysis and evaluation was established that involved representatives of the affected departments. The case study is investigated with particular reference to the evaluation stage of the possible APS solutions. The pivotal role of such participatory process and its effectual contribution to the final decision are highlighted and discussed.

Keywords: advanced planning systems; APS; small and medium-sized enterprises; manufacturing SMEs; information systems; decision making; participatory process; multicriteria evaluation; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; project teams; case study; production control; production planning; order management; participation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2013.056905

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2013 Vol.12 No.4, pp.393 - 412

Received: 23 Nov 2012
Accepted: 14 Jun 2013

Published online: 24 Jul 2014 *

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