The eight papers contributed to this special issue of the Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management on trends in Production System Research reveal a rich variety of quality research studies, which attest to the continuing interest of researchers worldwide in exploring new ways to enhance the performance of production systems. The extent and depth of the different approaches used to advance the field are manifested in the discussions of the many results presented in this e-book.

Dispersed Manufacturing Networks provides new perspectives of dispersed manufacturing systems from three points of view. The first is that offered by complex systems theory, particularly on how agents in these industrial networks interact and how that provides possibility for coordination. The book also elaborates on issues of coordination and planning, as well as examining new solutions and challenges for logistics problems and collaboration in engineering networks within the internationalisation perspective. The impact of globalization is discussed for both managerial decision-making and operational performance of supply chains. A strong emphasis is placed on the need for continuous decision-making with recognition of the fact that networks of loosely connected agents require different approaches. Both researchers and professionals will welcome Dispersed Manufacturing Networks. It is an informative guide for those researching and working across a range of fields.

Strategic success of industry depends upon manufacturing competencies (i.e., the competitive advantage to ensure better quality and reliability), which will increase sales and create a sound customer base. Competitive priorities are the operating advantages that are assessed, evaluated, and measured within the parameters of cost, quality, time, design, and flexibility. The book explains the manufacturing competencies upon which the strategic success of the automobile industry depends. The impact of manufacturing competency on strategic success is analyzed and modelled using suitable qualitative and quantitative techniques. Key Features Outlines manufacturing competencies in correlation with successful strategic planning for current manufacturing environment Provides methodology or guidelines for linking defined strategic plans with manufacturing competencies Defines strategic success in the context of the automobile industry Analyses and models manufacturing competency impacts using qualitative and quantitative techniques Develops qualitative models with real-time case studies