Abstract:
This research proposes the use of Taguchi Robust Design Methods combined with a multi-objective decision making model to create a Master Production Schedule (MPS) which is more robust to changes and uncertainties in the surrounding business environment.
The MPS process is a complex, dynamic environment. For instance, MPS materials generally have different lead times, delivery dates, and often compete for machine time when actual production commences. These noise factors, all of which have inherent uncertainties and are subject to frequent change, combine to destroy the validity of the MPS. Robustness to these noise factors is a necessity for the MPS to provide control over the manufacturing process. Large amounts of resources are expended managing the validity of the MPS. The literature suggests that creating a MPS which is more robust to noise factors is highly desired (see Ebert and Lee [66], Lin and Krajewski [67], and Lewis, Sweigart, and Markland [68].) This research proposes the application of Taguchi‚s design methodology to develop a MPS that is more robust to these noise factors.
Biography:
John F. Kros is an Assistant Professor of Quantitative Methods in the Department of Business Administration. He holds a BBA from the University of Texas, Austin, an MBA from Santa Clara University, and a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from the University of Virginia. He has several years of industrial experience in electronics manufacturing, specifically in operations management and is a member of, INFORMS, DSI, and ASQC.