Integrated Financial–Operational Framework for Capital Equipment Decisions: Advancing Manufacturing Investment Theory and Practice

The study combines both operational and financial perspectives of capital investment decisions in the manufacturing field, comparing a manufacturer’s choice of acquiring a new laser cutting machine against continuing to use their current machinery. The study was conducted over a 6-month period in 2025, where two types of finance were analyzed: a single payment of $700,000 as opposed to two payments of $500,000 at the end of Year 1 and Year 2. A discounted cash flow analysis was completed for bot