Rapid Modelling for Increasing Competitiveness

This proceedings volume of selected papers presented at the 1^st Rapid Modelling Conference "Increasing Competitiveness – Tools and Mindset" gives a state-of-the-art overview of current research and new developments in the field of rapid modelling linked with lead time reduction. Rapid Modelling is generally based on queuing theory, but other mathematical modelling techniques are of interest, as are simulation models to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from theory to application, providing the theoretical foundations for successful lead time reduction.

The interested reader (researcher as well as practitioner) should have a good overview of current activity in this field. Rapid Modelling for Increasing Competitiveness suggests that companies which are equipped for speed, with innovative processes, will outperform their slower competitors in many industries. Furthermore, this work also contributes to the scientific fields of operations management, production management, supply chain management, industrial engineering and operations research. The research papers presented in this book can be used to support the exchange of knowledge – between researchers, as well as practitioners – on the subject of increasing competitiveness through speed.

Rapid Modelling for Increasing Competitiveness is supported by the EU Seventh Framework Programme – The People Programme – Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways Project (No. 217891) "How revolutionary queuing based modelling software helps keeping jobs in Europe. The creation of a lead time reduction software that increases industry competitiveness and supports academic research."

Gerald Reiner studied Business Administration in Vienna after an education in Industrial Engineering. In 2001 he received his Doctorate in Business Administration (Quality Management and Production Management) at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, where he later received his Habilitation (venia legendi).

Between 1999 and 2006 he was Assistant Professor at the Department of Production Management at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration. He served as visiting professor at Aston Business School (UK) in March 2006 and also at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) from March 2007 to June 2007.

Since February 2007 Gerald Reiner has been a full professor at the Enterprise Institute at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. His research interests lie in the fields of supply chain management, quality management and operations management. He has published articles in International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Production Research, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Operations Management Research, and other leading journals, as well as books and numerous book chapters.