PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the supply and productivity improvements derived from implementing manufacturing resource planning (MRP II) practices.Design/methodology/approachThe approach is a case study in a Greek aerospace company, using Hellenic Aerospace Industry, SA (HAI). The closed loop business operating system, MRP II is recognized as being an effective management system that has an excellent planning and scheduling capability, which can offer an increase in customer service, significant gains in productivity, higher inventory turns and reduction in material cost.FindingsThe implementation has included setting clear goals, following a formal implementation plan, using a project steering committee and project teams. However, some aspects such as limitations by Greek legislation, constraints in hardware, incomplete education and training of the personnel and the BOM data accuracy are discussed in the context of HAI Productivity and supply issues resulting from the implementation process are reviewed.Practical implicationsAlthough, the use of the MRP II system in industrial developed countries is extensive, in Greece it is still in its infancy.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on MRP II in the Greek aerospace industry.

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A best evidence topic was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early oesophageal cancer gives equivalent oncological outcomes as compared to oesophagectomy. A total of 340 papers were found using the reported searches of which 7 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, date, journal, study type, population, main outcome measures and results are tabulated. Oesophagectomy with lymph node dissection for early oesophageal cancer is the standard to which every other treatment modality is compared to. However, the associated mortality and morbidity rates highlight the need for the development of effective, less invasive procedures. The evidence from the present review supports the use of EMR in this context as a first line treatment in T1a (mucosal) oesophageal cancer. The trade-off is a higher recurrence rate which can be dealt with successfully using a tight follow-up schedule and retreatment. The higher rates of lymph node involvement in T1b (submucosal) cancers preclude the use of endoscopic treatment in this setting except for patients unfit for surgery.

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