The study of Japanese manufacture continues to focus on certain elements of the JIT/kanban approach. A recent study tour found that these elements might be broadened to include planning systems and people development initiatives, examples of which are described. The degree to which JIT is a...

Research on quality in Japan has emphasized technical issues, but there is much to be learned from more organizational elements. Presents material from major Japanese corporations on the role of the centre in quality, the organizing of quality training, and long‐term planning for quality. The...