Advances in Production Economics

Production Economics has a focus on scientific topics treating the interface between engineering and economics/management. The ultimate objective is to create and develop knowledge for improving industrial practice and to strengthen the methodological and theoretical base necessary for supporting sound decision making. Resulting from this aim, Production Economics treats a wide range of topics, with fundamentals of this field, inventory management and the design, planning and control of production systems as essential pillars. Management of (especially inter-firm) supply chains adds another layer of complexity due to the consideration of inter-firm relationships resulting from the autonomy of the decision making units. Nowadays, industry is facing the challenges of sustainable development, energy conservation, emerging markets and digital transformation of manufacturing, which are also in the central focus of investigation in the field of Production Economics. We also observe a broadening of the spectrum of research methods. Mathematical modeling/programming, including game-theoretical models especially in the supply chain context, and statistical analysis of quantitative data are still essential instruments, while experimental research, text mining, case study and action research are of increasing importance.