Modeling and Analysis for Production Performance: Analysis of U.S. Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

Modeling is a great approach to analyze long-term consequences of policy options in manufacturing. In this chapter two modeling approaches are discussed for understanding the intertwined relationships among factors which influence the performance and competitiveness of manufacturing: the system dynamics approach and the quantitative survey approach. The system dynamics approach is used to develop a conceptual model of the strategic issues that influence the performance and competitiveness of manufacturing, and the results of a quantitative survey are used to understand the actual extent of the influences of various factors in the current situation.