An overview of production planning models: structural classification and empirical assessment

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Abstract
This paper surveys and classifies production planning models introduced in the literature according to their orientation (descriptive and normative models) and according to scope (aggregate planning models, functional interface models, and hierarchical models). Each of these categories is then sub-classified, by the type of formulation followed and solution method used, into exact and heuristic methods. For each of these classes of models, its characteristics, usages and limitation are discussed. The relationship between the descriptive and normative models is analysed with illustrative examples from the industrial sector in the U.S.A. and Egypt The paper concludes by identifying major gaps in current theory of production planning on the one hand, and between theory and practice on the other hand, suggesting positive steps, and schemes of action for closing these gaps.