Many consider that Japanese manufacturing management techniques are among several factors which have contributed to Japan's superior quality and high growth rate of productivity. Just‐In‐Time (JIT) is one of the best known Japanese production management systems amongst management in the...

The contrast between Japanese purchasing practices and US traditional purchasing practices provides a good insight into the relative importance of JIT for US firms. Since the initial implementation of JIT purchasing in late 1980 by Kawasaki Motors (Lincoln plant), at least 50 companies in the US...