Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places...

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places...

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places...

The considerable attention given to flexible methods of production and work organization as a fundamental determinant of achieving international levels of competitiveness in the manufacturing industry (and of late, in service industries also) in the wake of Japanese dominance over the past two...

During the last two decades, the Western automobile industry has undergone significant changes. These changes have affected not only the internal organization of firms, but also their vertical limits and relationships with suppliers. This paper proposes an analytical model based on the concept...

QS 9000 is a quality system standard for the automotive industry, developed in the USA in 1994 by Ford, General Motors, Daimler‐Chrysler and the US truck manufacturers. It was developed with the objective of standardising the quality system procedures, responsibilities and processes within an...

Reviews the Essen Schweissen und Schneiden cutting and welding trade show, assesses the latest developments in remote laser welding technology, identifies mounting trend for electric servo guns to replace pneumatic welding guns, reports on growing interest in aluminium welding and outlines the...

Outlines Renault’s development of cost‐effective exhaust manufacturing systems using synchronous robotic welding aided by vision technology, reports on the accuracy problems encountered and the solutions implemented, relates how cycle times have been cut and quality improved.

Purpose – Reports on trends in the design and application of robots in the Japanese automotive industry. Design/methodology/approach – Surveys the business practices of Japanese automotive manufacturers and their plants in Japan and overseas Findings – Since, the 1990s, Japanese...

Purpose – This paper seeks to report on the Robot Award of Japan and to review the award winners of 2010. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on findings at the exhibition, published papers and in‐depth interviews with award winners. Findings – The Ministry of Economics,...