Japanese industry has shown its superiority in a range of traded goods sectors. It was thought that this competitive advantage arose from the use of electronics-based flexible automation technologies, but it is now clear that the major source of this industrial strength is in the development and diffusion of new management techniques such as just-in-time production and total quality management.

A number of Western firms have begun to introduce these management techniques and have begun to reap significant benefits, not just in lowering costs but also in improving product variety and quality, and in being able to satisfy customer needs more effectively. This is a practical and relevant book for those involved in the areas of policy and production, as well as being of relevance to those in the teaching and research communities.