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Article
Learning and Bayesian Updating in Long Cycle Made-to-order (MTO) Production
Omega-international Journal of Management Science (2017)
  • K. Womer, University of Missouri–St. Louis
  • H. Li, University of Missouri–St. Louis
  • J. Camm, Wake Forest University
  • C. Osterman, Naval Personnel Research Study and Technology, United States
  • R. Radhakrishnan, Integral Analytics, United States
Abstract
We model production planning for made-to-order (MTO) manufacturing by choosing production rate to minimize expected discounted cost incurred up to a promised delivery date. Products that are MTO are often unique and customized. The associated learning curve slope and other production parameters cannot be precisely estimated before production starts. In this paper, a dynamic and adaptive approach to estimate the effects of learning and to optimize next period production is developed. This approach offers a closed-loop solution through stochastic dynamic programming. Monthly production data are used to update the joint probability distributions of production parameters via Bayesian methods. Our approach is illustrated using historical earned-value data from the Black Hawk Helicopter Program. Managerial insights are obtained and discussed.
Publication Date
June 1, 2017
DOI
10.1016/j.omega.2016.07.007
Citation Information
K. Womer, H. Li, J. Camm, C. Osterman, et al.. "Learning and Bayesian Updating in Long Cycle Made-to-order (MTO) Production" Omega-international Journal of Management Science Vol. 69 (2017) p. 29 - 42
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/keith-womer/1/