This course will focus on manufacturing management techniques and manufacturing technology. Current topics include: quality of design, systems for eliminating defects, simplified production planning and control systems, managing the supply chain, activity-based costing and performance measurement-making "bean-counting" relevant. The students will learn decision models and management techniques for evaluating technological options used by flexible manufacturing operations to sustain competitive advantage. The course will also include cases from major manufacturing industries such as automotive, plastics, and apparel. (Formerly MGT 805)