In pursuit of zero‐defect quality, a growing number of JIT manufacturing firms often consider a line‐stop strategy that allows workers to stop the assembly line when abnormalities occur during production process, and to repair defects immediately as they occur. The line‐stop strategy...

Recognising the enormous potential of just‐in‐time (JIT) concepts for boosting productivity and quality, an increasing number of US and European firms consider adopting JIT concepts in manufacturing. However, the transfer of a manufacturing policy from traditional to JIT always requires...