Capacity analysis, cycle time optimization, and supply chain strategy in multi-product biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; and, (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2011.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 99-104).Application of system optimization theory, supply chain principles, and capacity modeling are increasingly valuable tools for use in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. The dynamics of the pharmaceutical industry - market exclusivity, high margins, product integrity and contamination constraints - coupled with increasing cost pressures, demand for specialized products increase, and growing industry complexity makes analytical business decisions necessary to sustain competitive advantage. The united application of capacity modeling, system optimization, and supply chain analysis tools, paired with implementation strategies on a multi-product vaccine production system are detailed to address important business difficulties.by Kacey L. Fetcho-Phillips.S.M.M.B.A