The development of a method of planning for computer‐integrated manufacture (CIM) used within Eaton Corporation (Truck Components Europe) which produces complex engineering products is described. The method relies heavily on a model of CIM as the basis for planning. Different types of models...

From both fieldwork and the academic literature a number of issues have been identified which impact negatively on the sustaining of TQM in manufacturing organizations. The issues reflect a variety of business operations perspectives including continuous improvement, organizational behaviour,...

Following research on the subject of TQM, the authors decided that what was lacking was a framework for the introduction and development of the process for continuous quality improvement.

Plots a path from a base of ISO 9000 series system registration to the effective use of self‐assessment against the criteria of an excellence model (e.g. the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model or the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) model). Both the ISO 9000...

The paper reports a study into set‐up time reduction and mistake proofing methods in a small company involved in the machining of precision components in small batches with high variety for the aerospace industry. The company has made some set‐up reductions mainly using work study related...

The paper reports the main findings of an evaluation of four separate quality costing methods which have been trialed in an organisation manufacturing flavourings for the food and drink industry. It was found that the semi‐structured departmental method was the most suitable and a pilot study...

The area of business process management (BPM) is a relatively new field and there is little academic literature on the subject. This paper critically examines the literature to pinpoint BPM definitions, approaches and principles. A study is reported of a business unit of a “world class”...