PhD thesis: ‘Food processing industry more profitable thanks to better planning’

Renzo Akkerman examined methods of planning in the food processing industry’s production processes. Using simulations, he analysed a number of circumstances that apply specifically to this sector: small profit margins, limited product shelf life, short delivery times required by the market, temporary storage in storage tanks and ever-changing packaging material.

In a number of scientific articles, Akkerman sets out the effects of sector-specific circumstances on operational performance (in terms of delivery times and product losses). The results of his research may be used in the management, design and redesign of production systems in the food processing industry.

Curriculum Vitae
Renzo Akkerman (Balk, 1977) studied Econometrics in Groningen and conducted his research at the Department of Production Systems Design.  He will be awarded his PhD in Business Studies on 25 January 2007 (4.15 p.m.). His supervisor is Prof. G.J. Gaalman. His thesis is entitled Operational performance of two-stage food production systems.