Decision Sciences Journal 27(4) Index
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Decision Sciences Journal
Volume 27, Number 4
Fall 1996

A Note on 'An Approximate Solution to Deterministic Kanban Systems': A Commentary and Further Insights

Farhad Moeeni
Department of Economics and Decision Sciences, College of Business, Arkansas State University, State University, AR 72467, moeeni@cherokee.astate.edu

Yih-Long Chang
The Dupree School of Management, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0520, yihlong.chang@mgt.gatech.edu

ABSTRACT

In a recent paper, Vemuganti, Batta, and Zhu (1996) stated that the linear programming model suggested by Moeeni and Chang (1990) could result in infeasibility. They also suggested an alternative mathematical formulation for determining the number of kanbans. The intention of this article is twofold. First, we maintain that the finding of Vemuganti et al., while valid, is based on a misplaced emphasis on the purpose of the Moeeni and Chang article. Second, we demonstrate that the Vemuganti et al. formulation is a special case of a more general model proposed by Bitran and Chang (1987).

Subject Areas: Heuristics, Just-In-Time Manufacturing, Kanban Systems, and Production and Inventory Management.