Int. J. Technology, Policy and Management, Vol. 8, No. 3, 2008 237 Analysis of order review/release methods in a flexible flow shop to minimise work-in-process inventory and average tardiness Ken Cutright Management Systems Department Ohio University College of Business Copeland Hall, Athens, OH 45701, USA E-mail: cutright@ohio.edu Faizul Huq* Management Systems Department Ohio University College of Business Copeland Hall, Athens, OH 45701, USA and Groupe ESC Pau 64000 Pau, France E-mail: huq@ohio.edu *Corresponding author Ziaul Huq College of Business Administration University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE 64124, USA and East West University, Bangladesh E-mail: ziaul_huq@unomaha.edu Raju Alluri Ranger Plastics Extrusion Inc. Fort Worth, Texas 76012, USA E-mail: rvalluri@hotmail.com Abstract: This paper evaluates the effects of Order Review/Release (ORR) mechanisms, priority rules, and loading mechanisms on jobs in a flexible flow shop. Simulation is used to investigate the effect of two ORR mechanisms, three priority rules, and two loading mechanisms on average Work-in-Process (WIP) costs and job tardiness. The results indicate that the loading mechanisms, along with appropriate ORR mechanism, can significantly affect the flow of jobs through the shop. Keywords: flexible flow shop; Order Review/Release; ORR; shop floor priority; loading mechanism. Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.