First published in 1998, this volume was designed to lead to an operational model of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) decision making which incorporated the mathematics of fuzzy set theory. The rapid advancement of robotics, automated technologies and software such as CAD and CAM have made such studies paramount. Here, analyses of a questionnaire survey and field study of major UK manufacturing companies together provide a simulating portrayal of AMT investment decision making and have been expanded upon with a model using fuzzy set theory.

First published in 1998, this volume was designed to lead to an operational model of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) decision making which incorporated the mathematics of fuzzy set theory. The rapid advancement of robotics, automated technologies and software such as CAD and CAM have made such studies paramount. Here, analyses of a questionnaire survey and field study of major UK manufacturing companies together provide a simulating portrayal of AMT investment decision making and have been expanded upon with a model using fuzzy set theory.

Production and manufacturing management since the 1980s has absorbed in rapid succession several new production management concepts: manufacturing strategy, focused factory, just-in-time manufacturing, concurrent engineering, total quality management, supply chain management, flexible manufacturing systems, lean production, mass customization, and more. With the increasing globalization of manufacturing, the field will continue to expand. This encyclopedia's audience includes anyone concerned with manufacturing techniques, methods, and manufacturing decisions.

Competence in investment analysis is now a basic requirement for most practicing managers, engineers, and financial analysts in order to avoid possible serious mistakes arising from flawed or inadequate knowledge of the discipline. Furthermore, individuals who make decisions based on technical economics stake their professional futures, in many cases, on the accuracy of such evaluations. The aim of this volume is to provide a balanced view of the essential components of economic and financial analysis including: 1. Strategic and design issues; 2. Principles of cost management systems and activity-based costing, and; 3. Tools for developing the financial measures of investment worth, with advanced topics and case studies in these three areas.This volume provides a refreshing insight into the various methods that engineers, managers, and financial analysts may need to consider to find good alternatives for the investment of scarce resources. Not only are new ventures presented, but also improvements within existing facilities that include process modification, product design, equipment replacement, and plant expansion/contraction.

Strategic Decision Making in Modern Manufacturing introduces and explains the AMBIT (Advanced Manufacturing Business ImplemenTation) approach, which has been developed to bridge the gap between strategic management considerations and the operational effects of technology investment decisions on the manufacturing organisation, so that the likely impact of new manufacturing technology and/or programme implementations can be evaluated, anticipated and accurately predicted. The AMBIT approach focuses specifically on the non-financial aspects of such investment decisions and offers an approach that allows a manager, or more frequently a management team, to understand the impacts of a new technology or a new programme on the manufacturing organisation in terms of manufacturing performance.

As one of the eighteen field-specific reports comprising the comprehensive scope of the strategic general report of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this sub-report addresses long-range planning for developing science and technology in the field of advanced manufacturing technology. They each craft a roadmap for their sphere of development to 2050. In their entirety, the general and sub-group reports analyze the evolution and laws governing the development of science and technology, describe the decisive impact of science and technology on the modernization process, predict that the world is on the eve of an impending S&T revolution, and call for China to be fully prepared for this new round of S&T advancement. Based on the detailed study of the demands on S&T innovation in China’s modernization, the reports draw a framework for eight basic and strategic systems of socio-economic development with the support of science and technology, work out China’s S&T roadmaps for the relevant eight basic and strategic systems in line with China’s reality, further detail S&T initiatives of strategic importance to China’s modernization, and provide S&T decision-makers with comprehensive consultations for the development of S&T innovation consistent with China’s reality. Supported by illustrations and tables of data, the reports provide researchers, government officials and entrepreneurs with guidance concerning research directions, the planning process, and investment. Founded in 1949, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the nation’s highest academic institution in natural sciences. Its major responsibilities are to conduct research in basic and technological sciences, to undertake nationwide integrated surveys on natural resources and ecological environment, to provide the country with scientific data and consultations for government’s decision-making, to undertake government-assigned projects with regard to key S&T problems in the process of socio-economic development, to initiate personnel training, and to promote China’s high-tech enterprises through its active engagement in these areas.

Taking an international perspective to corporate finance, the latest edition of Corporate Finance and Investment is a highly-regarded and established text for students who want to understand the principles of corporate finance and develop the key tools to apply it. The ninth edition has been revised to include topical issues in valuation, working capital, capital structure, the dividend decision, Islamic finance, risk and risk management, and behavioural finance. With its focus on strategic issues of finance in a business setting, this text uses the latest financial and accounting data, articles and research papers to effectively demonstrate how, and to what extent, the theory can be applied to practical issues in corporate finance.

Advanced Modeling and Optimization of Manufacturing Processes presents a comprehensive review of the latest international research and development trends in the modeling and optimization of manufacturing processes, with a focus on machining. It uses examples of various manufacturing processes to demonstrate advanced modeling and optimization techniques. Both basic and advanced concepts are presented for various manufacturing processes, mathematical models, traditional and non-traditional optimization techniques, and real case studies. The results of the application of the proposed methods are also covered and the book highlights the most useful modeling and optimization strategies for achieving best process performance. In addition to covering the advanced modeling, optimization and environmental aspects of machining processes, Advanced Modeling and Optimization of Manufacturing Processes also covers the latest technological advances, including rapid prototyping and tooling, micromachining, and nano-finishing. Advanced Modeling and Optimization of Manufacturing Processes is written for designers and manufacturing engineers who are responsible for the technical aspects of product realization, as it presents new models and optimization techniques to make their work easier, more efficient, and more effective. It is also a useful text for practitioners, researchers, and advanced students in mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing engineering.

The use of lasers in material processing has become a useful method for transforming industrial materials into finished products. The benefits of laser material processing are vast, including increased precision, high processing speed, and dustless cutting and drilling. Advanced Manufacturing Techniques Using Laser Material Processing explores the latest methodologies for using lasers in materials manufacturing and production, the benefits of using lasers in industrial settings, as well as future outlooks for this technology. This innovative publication is an essential reference source for professionals, researchers, and graduate-level students studying manufacturing technologies and industrial engineering.