Production location and plants roles

The implementation plan consists of two stages. First, we will study the current research frontier as well as the practical issues and the design of current manufacturing networks at the participating companies. Theory and practice with be analyzed. This analysis will lead to gaps between theory and practice and will help to identify research opportunities. Based on good examples and insights from previous research, we will develop new models and methods of a normative nature. These will be synthesized into a framework for the guidance of developing manufacturing networks, with specific focus on location and assignment of plant roles and production allocation. The work plan is divided into eight work packages.