The JIT prescription for industrial revival

Abstract

The JIT model of management developed in Japan offers a proven mechanism for transmitting the multiplier effects of industrial investment to far corners of society as envisaged by the old trickle down theory of economic development. Moreover, the dramatic inroads made by manufactured imports everywhere have made the large scale changeover to JIT management all the more compelling. In this article, Thomas and Ramachandran present the Eightfold Way of JIT implementation based on a review of ten international cases of this process. The authors discuss the scope and sequencing of the required stages as well as some of the key issues involved. They conclude that the necessary large scale shift to JIT requires the concerted efforts of management, government, and management education.