The results of personal observations of on‐site visits to ten manufacturing firms are presented. Several important differences between traditional American firms, non‐traditional American firms, and Japanese firms operating in the United States are noted with regard to quality management....

Examines the literature to identify the essential components of kaizen or continuous improvement programmes. Relying on published sources on the North American experience with continuous improvement, also tries to identify organizational structures and practices likely to lead to successful...

Discusses challenges facing the US health‐care system now that prepaid or capitated health plans are gaining market share. Investigates how this affects providers, payers and policy makers and the concerns for the maintenance of a quality system. Concludes that the current changes in the US...

Considers reasons for failure among pure play Internet grocery retailers. Notes that two factors seem to be significant. First, they did not achieve anything like a competitive advantage over the traditional “bricks and mortar” food retailers on those dimensions that drive the consumer...

Observes that the group size of some US retail hardware cooperatives increased during the 1990s, as cooperative managements strove to increase the quantity and quality of group members. For example, a 1997 merger doubled the membership of one group. Large size was deemed necessary to achieve the...