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An outline of supply chains and differences in the problem types is given. The motivation for a generic framework is discussed and explored. A conceptual model is presented along with it application to real world situations; and from this a database model is developed. A MIP and CP implementations are presented; along with alternative formulation which can be use to solve the problems. A local search solution algorithm is presented and shown to have significant benefits. Problem instances are presented which are used to validate the generic models, including a large manufacture and distribution problem. This larger problem instance is not only used to explore the implementation of the models presented, but also to explore the practically of the use of alternative formulation and solving techniques within the generic framework and the effectiveness of such methods including the neighbourhood search solving method. A stochastic dimension to the generic framework is explored, and solution techniques for this extension are explored, demonstrating the use of solution analysis to allow problem simplification and better solutions to be found. Finally the local search algorithm is applied to the larger models that arise from inclusion of scenarios, and the methods is demonstrated to be powerful for finding solutions for these large model that were insoluble using the MIP on the same hardware.

Groupware was developed to address the limitations of existing Information Technologies in facilitating an increased level of collaboration in todays' customer focused industries. These systems are a hybrid between a database, to organise and store previously unstructured knowledge, and an e-mail system, to disseminate this knowledge across entire organisations. Lotus Notes has become the recognised industry standard for a Groupware system, providing an application development platform on which can be built a company's knowledge infrastructure, and the research concentrates on this system. Groupware systems are not designed to replace existing technologies, rather supplement them by capturing the information outwith the structure that they impose, and there are many applications where the implementation of a Lotus Notes application is not feasible. A review of the literature revealed that there is a limited amount of guidance on what constitutes a suitable candidate for implementation. From an analysis of the functionality of the system, the research develops a detailed reference model of the ideal Lotus Notes application, in order to provide a method of rapidly assessing the suitability of a potential application to the implementation of Groupware. Three case studies are presented, utilising the reference model to identify suitable candidates and following the implementation of these through to a point where the results can be assessed, providing a level of validation for the developed model. The case studies provide the opportunity to highlight methods of overcoming the potential barriers to success, revealed by an audit against the reference model. This experience is collected together as design guidelines, cross-referenced against the reference model. The overall result being the production of a series of tools, and a methodology for their use, intended to facilitate the implementation of successful Groupware applications, maximising the benefit that an organisation can achieve from its investment in new technology.