Looks at how to overcome the stumbling blocks to success, in light of the fact that many companies are able to achieve early success in a TQM programme, but find it difficult to hang on to the gains and improve on them. Discusses the possible early fault lines. Suggests ways in which these can...

Asserts that, too often companies have jumped headlong into implementing a quality programme without first doing their homework, and they then wonder why the so‐called improvement effort has failed. Contends they need to go back to basics. Looks at why quality efforts have not always produced...

The paper examines privatization in Hungary over the last decade. It investigates the `spontaneous privatization' of the late 1980s and its relation to today's privatization efforts. It studies the changes in the economic structure of Hungary since 1988, and provides detailed information...

Examines the quality programme initiated by freight train company Southern Pacific Lines in order to become more competitive. Chronicles the design, introduction and implementation of their quality initiative. Looks at the measures taken to improve on problem areas and at the importance of...

Examines the growth of interest in activity based costing (ABC), which focuses on overhead, rather than direct, costs, and does much the same job as quality costing. Shows exactly how ABC works in an organization and what benefits it can produce. Indicates how the information generated can be...