A framework for analyzing flexibility of generic objects

Guy Fitzgerald, Miryam Barad, Anastasia Papazafeiropoulou and Ghada Alaa

International Journal of Production Economics, 2009, vol. 122, issue 1, 329-339

Abstract: Flexibility is a loosely defined term used in a number of application areas with different and frequently contradicting views. In this paper, adopting as a starting point the use of the term in the manufacturing and information systems domains, we present a framework for the examination of generic objects utilizing cloud diagrams. We first portray the potential flexibility of a designed object and then its actual flexibility expressing its ability to adapt to changes. Examples of its use illustrate the ideas and their application. We believe that this research will be helpful in offering guidelines to designers of new systems where flexibility is important.

Keywords: Flexibility; Changes; Generic; objects; Flexibility; metrics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:proeco:v:122:y:2009:i:1:p:329-339

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