How can an organization:

• create and offer products and services at a lower cost while achieving higher revenues?
• address the challenges posed by changes in consumer preferences, internet technologies, and global distribution networks?
• promote creativity, manage knowledge and innovation, and encourage a sense of social responsibility?

The answer to all the above questions is the same: through the effective management of production of goods and services. Production management is important, it is exciting, it is challenging, and it is vital for the successful performance of an organization.

In this pioneering book, which is a benchmark in its field, authors Slack, Chambers, and Johnston bring the study of production management to life by providing dozens of contemporary examples from the production operations of real businesses from around the world—while also presenting opposing views in areas where there is academic debate.

In this fifth English edition of the book 'Production Management of Goods and Services', the authors document the most current developments in the specific field and examine issues such as the following:

• Supply chain design that supports the 'fast fashion' of Zara, H&M, and Benetton stores.
• Outsourcing of laptop manufacturing by companies like Apple, Dell, and Sony.
• Aldi's focus on a philosophy that challenges retail standards and gives it an advantage in quality-price combination.
• Adoption of innovative design by Dyson leading to the success of an 'expensive' product.
• Addressing by the manufacturers of the Millau Bridge, one of Europe's largest roadworks, the significant technical and organizational problems.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]