Since the 1970s, international manufacturing companies, in pursuit of world‐class goals, have been adopting and adapting management practices developed originally in Japan. Notable characteristics of such companies now include: a customer‐focused culture; a concentration on core competencies...

Many manufacturers are considering the just‐in‐time (JIT) philosophy in order to become more competitive in global markets. An important element of the JIT strategy is the purchasing function. The procurement of parts and materials plays a key role in the successful implementation of a JIT...

A Hong Kong‐based study of factors affecting construction industry performance levels confirms that selection methodologies and decisions are critical, both at the upstream formulation of procurement and operational systems themselves as well as the downstream selection of various project...