Papers by Lalith Goonatilake
Industrial Management & Data Systems, 1998
A recent United Nations Industrial Development Organisation executed pilot project in Sri Lanka a... more A recent United Nations Industrial Development Organisation executed pilot project in Sri Lanka aimed at providing restructuring assistance to ten manufacturing enterprises, looked at the application of computers for management functions and analysed the constraints limiting the use of the computer potential for improving enterprise competitiveness. This paper reports on the key observations and recommendations arising from this pilot project. It was found that though all the enterprises had access to computers, the utilisation was mainly for payroll, accounting and word‐processing tasks. Surprisingly the restructuring recommendations to improve enterprise competitiveness were based on a strategy of improving operations management and generating up‐to‐date management information and financial forecasts, areas that were not computerised. The paper analyses the findings from the ten pilot enterprises and recommends ways of enhancing the utilisation of the potential of microcomputers f...
Computers in Industry, 1989
The major industrial application of computers is in ‘Computer-Aided Design/Manufacture’ (CAD/CAM)... more The major industrial application of computers is in ‘Computer-Aided Design/Manufacture’ (CAD/CAM) and ‘Computer-Aided Production Management’ (CAPM). The industrialization policies of developing countries have failed largely due to the negligence of appropriate production management. Considering the type of industries in developing countries, their technological and capital limitations, it is doubtful whether developing countries can benefit from CAD/CAM, whereas the application of CAPM can improve the efficiency of production management functions. Therefore, computer education in developing countries should move away from emphasizing the importance of theoretical and technical areas and concentrate on improving the capability of developing CAPM systems.
Industrial Management and Data Systems, 1988
Consumers in developing countries often complain that the quality of locally manufactured consume... more Consumers in developing countries often complain that the quality of locally manufactured consumer goods is far below their expectations. The general remedies suggested to improve product quality are to adopt the latest quality control concepts that are being applied in more industrialised countries. However, few attempts have been made to understand the underlying causes of low product quality in developing economies. This article analyses the causes of low product quality in developing nations, first of all by examining the background factors influencing the setting up of import substitution industries. Shortcomings in the education policies in developing economies are identified, which have created a shortage of personnel qualified to perform the required quality management functions. It is also shown that the restrictions placed on imports to safeguard local industries have contributed to the development of monopoly industries in developing countries. In the analysis the quality...
Industrial Management Data Systems, Apr 12, 2013
Production planning and control is a complex task in multiple batch production situations. Work o... more Production planning and control is a complex task in multiple batch production situations. Work orders arrive in a random manner and, considering the diverse product array, work centre capacities loaded and available also change in a random manner. A particular product mix may suit a particular load pattern generated and, to be realistic, the optimum product mix must be considered a dynamic parameter rather than a static one. Considering the multitude of parameters associated, it is difficult to determine the optimum product mix in a manual system. The use of a computer simulation model to determine the optimum product mix and also the criteria to be used in arriving at the pricing strategy under multiple batch production situations are discussed.
Engineering Costs and Production Economics, 1990
This paper examines the industrialisation policies adopted by developing countries and assesses i... more This paper examines the industrialisation policies adopted by developing countries and assesses its impact on inventory management. Factors influencing inventory demand are identified and the interaction between production planning and control and inventory control is considered as a key parameter. A reversal of inventory management objectives in a developing country environment is brought to light where the ef3ciency objective is given more significance than the cost objective.
This paper examines the industrialisation policies adopted by developing countries and assesses i... more This paper examines the industrialisation policies adopted by developing countries and assesses its impact on inventory management. Factors influencing inventory demand are identified and the interaction between production planning and control and inventory control is considered as a key parameter. A reversal of inventory management objectives in a developing country environment is brought to light where the ef3ciency objective is given more significance than the cost objective.
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Papers by Lalith Goonatilake