Linking Product Planning and Process Design Decisions
用数学模型检验制造战略文献中关于产品规划与流程设计决策关联的猜想，发现紧密整合有助于控制产品种类、稳定流程需求、改进技术选择并增加净现金流，且在复杂、低不确定性和紧张环境下更为关键。
ABSTRACT Manufacturing strategy reflects the goals of the business strategy and directs the manufacturing function in achieving them. In this study, we focus on two decision areas with crucial implications for manufacturing strategy: product planning and process design. Using mathematical programming models as a research tool, we test several conjectures in the manufacturing strategy literature regarding linkages between the two decisions. Our results show that a close integration between these decisions helps control the product offerings, stabilize process requirements, improve process technology choices, and increase net cash flows over time. Using the concept of environmental clusters, we found that a close linkage is more critical when the environment is more complex, less uncertain, and tighter. Based on these findings, we present some managerial implications and suggestions for future research.