Abstract The paper defines batch or job shop production and reviews the functions of production planning and production control in a job shop manufacturing situation. It argues that the separation of planning and control has resulted in the artificial isolation of the sequencing problem in job shop research. It attempts to redefine the production control function for a job shop, now called job shop control, and discuss the activities it involves. The major decision-making problems associated with job shop control are highlighted and an objective function of costs to aid in management decision making is evolved.