Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
ISBN 13 : 0309049822
Total Pages : 153 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (9 download)
Book Synopsis Learning to Change by : National Research Council
Download or read book Learning to Change written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1993-02-01 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Manufacturing firmsâ€"large and smallâ€"face massive change and adjustment as they move from a stable, fault-tolerant environment of long production runs to a volatile world in which production runs are short; product characteristics are changing constantly; and defect-free, on-time production at decreasing prices is a condition for survival. The necessary changes in the production organization include everything from the layout of the shop floor to the distribution of authority between managers and workers. The magnitude of these changes threatens to overwhelm the managerial capacities of firms, regardless of their size. This study examines the particularly vulnerable situation of small and mid-size manufacturers and considers ways in which to help them undertake the many changes and adjustments necessary. These include assimilating the new tools, disciplines, and philosophy of lean manufacturing; embracing new ways of delegating responsibilities; and developing new kinds of partnerships among customers, suppliers, and employees.