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A framework for analyzing flexibility of generic objects

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  • Fitzgerald, Guy
  • Barad, Miryam
  • Papazafeiropoulou, Anastasia
  • Alaa, Ghada

Abstract

Flexibility is a loosely defined term used in a number of application areas with different and frequently contradicting views. In this paper, adopting as a starting point the use of the term in the manufacturing and information systems domains, we present a framework for the examination of generic objects utilizing cloud diagrams. We first portray the potential flexibility of a designed object and then its actual flexibility expressing its ability to adapt to changes. Examples of its use illustrate the ideas and their application. We believe that this research will be helpful in offering guidelines to designers of new systems where flexibility is important.

Suggested Citation

  • Fitzgerald, Guy & Barad, Miryam & Papazafeiropoulou, Anastasia & Alaa, Ghada, 2009. "A framework for analyzing flexibility of generic objects," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 122(1), pages 329-339, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:122:y:2009:i:1:p:329-339
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Benjaafar, Saifallah & Morin, Thomas L. & Talavage, Joseph J., 1995. "The strategic value of flexibility in sequential decision making," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 82(3), pages 438-457, May.
    2. Donald Gerwin, 1993. "Manufacturing Flexibility: A Strategic Perspective," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 39(4), pages 395-410, April.
    3. William W. Cooper & Kingshuk K. Sinha & Robert S. Sullivan, 1992. "Measuring Complexity in High-Technology Manufacturing: Indexes for Evaluation," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 22(4), pages 38-48, August.
    4. Olhager, Jan, 1993. "Manufacturing flexibility and profitability," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(1), pages 67-78, July.
    5. Barad, M. & Even Sapir, D., 2003. "Flexibility in logistic systems--modeling and performance evaluation," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(2), pages 155-170, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ortega Jimenez, Cesar H. & Machuca, Jose A.D. & Garrido-Vega, Pedro & Filippini, Roberto, 2015. "The pursuit of responsiveness in production environments: From flexibility to reconfigurability," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 157-172.
    2. Erin T. Ryan & David R. Jacques & John M. Colombi, 2013. "An ontological framework for clarifying flexibility‐related terminology via literature survey," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(1), pages 99-110, March.

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