Essays on planning in food processing industries. The case of a dairy factory

PhD ceremony: Mr. T.J. van Kampen, 14.30 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Essays on planning in food processing industries. The case of a dairy factory

Promotor(s): prof. D.P. van Donk

Faculty: Economics and Business

Food processing companies experience growing logistical demands as product variety and uncertainty are increasing while competition becomes more intense. As a result, companies reconsider the way the production processes are planned and controlled. However, the reconsideration is complicated by a number of typical characteristics of food processing industries.

The thesis reports on how industry specific characteristics affect planning in food processing industries. Through a collection of research papers, the thesis shows how the typical characteristics affect decisions on production strategy, buffering policies and postponement options in food processing industries. The basis for the chapters in the thesis is an extensive case study in a dairy company that revealed a number of planning challenges. To extend the generalizability of our findings the case outcomes were combined with simulation studies. By staying close to practice, the thesis aims to contribute to both academia and practice.