The journal aims to give a broad international coverage of subjects relating to the management of manufacturing technology and the integration of the design, production, marketing and supply functions of enterprises. Emphasis is placed on the publication of articles which seek to link theory with practical application or critically analyse real cases with the objective of identifying good practice in manufacturing.Articles may be based on empirical investigations, theoretical perspectives, case study analysis, or report experimental results. However, all submissions should make a significant original contribution to the field; be directly relevant to the management of manufacturing technology; and contain elements which have general application. If it is felt that a contribution, though technical in nature, will be of broad interest, it may be published under a "technical paper" heading. A paper can be considered for publication as a "research note" if it reports work-in-progress on research which has not yet reached a stage where there are any final results or conclusions. Its value will be judged by the extent to which it contributes to a debate on the research problem, methodology, techniques of data analysis, etc.