This book offers detailed case studies on how various industries have learned how to best allocate their resources-technical, human, and nancial-for enhancing productivity. It includes efforts to improve resource utilization from around the world. Case studies cover topics ranging from distributed virtual manufacturing enter- prises to integrating green technology in a cost-effective manner to materials and energy savings. Resources Utilization and Productivity Enhancement Case Stud- ies explores how energy-ef cient smart materials and structures hold tremendous potential for realizing cost savings and improving energy use in the modern industrial workplace. It also shows how industrial engineers have developed a variety of analytical and computer-based tools and technologies for planning, forecasting, and schedul- ing resources-including time, labor, and more recently, energy.