Manufacturing strategy examines strategy for manufacturing and operations within the firm.  The course will examine how manufacturing and operations can be used as competitive weapons.  Traditionally, these areas have been viewed as narrow, functional areas, and management of them was based on some simple criterion such as cost minimization.  In recent years, managers and business observers have understood that manufacturing and operations have to be managed in the broader context of business strategy.  In this sense, decisions on manufacturing capabilities must fit and be consistent with the business strategy.  Furthermore, decisions about different areas of manufacturing must be consistent with each other.  Choices about facilities, capacity, vertical integration, process technology, control and information systems, sourcing, human resources, organization and other areas are all strategic choices that significantly affect what the business brings to the marketplace.  The course will examine how decisions in these areas can be made in a coherent manner.  We will also explore operations in general and not just in a manufacturing environment.

Instructors

Professor Donald B. Rosenfield
Office: E40-419
Tel: 617-253-1064
Email: donrose@mit.edu

Teaching Assistant

Melissa Falkowski