Editorial: Special issue of the Sixteenth International Working Seminar on Production Economics, Innsbruck 2010

This Special Issue includes a selection of papers which originally were presented and discussed at the Sixteenth International Working Seminar on Production Economics, Innsbruck, March 1–5, 2010 and subsequently extended and improved. Production Economics has a focus on scientific topics treating the interface between engineering, management and economics. It therefore contains a wide range of subjects. The Working Seminar included sessions such as supply chain management, innovation management, general production economics, productivity and performance analysis, service management, risk management in production, inventory control, scheduling, forecasting, simulation applications, green and reverse logistics, manufacturing strategy, production planning and control, investment and financial planning. The Working Seminar had 216 participants from 26 countries. Its unique discussant system provides an excellent opportunity for participants to broader study horizons, exchange research ideas and improve research outcomes resulting in this special issue. The discussant system and the conference timetable create and promote the development of a unique production economics community