Despite some successes in involving suppliers early and intensively in product development within the automotive and electronics industries, many companies still experience substantial difficulties in managing this involvement. This article examines three related critical issues: (a) identifying...

Is the professional self-managing or is there really a need for professional management? The answer to that question is in both cases: "Yes". The professional is largely responsible for directing his own activities. Managers must take due account of this by applying rules and procedures on a...