Argues that organizational rules have developed over time to serve the needs of both workers and managers. Unfortunately, it is being found that rules are double‐edged; they restrict both the rule maker and the potential rule breaker. It is clear that many existing workplace rules do not serve...

When sales vary significantly according to season, the manufacturer makes special provisions to integrate the acquisition of raw materials and labour with an effective production schedule which satisfies customers′ requirements. The recommended procedure is called aggregate planning, and many...

Presents the findings of a study which investigated the adoption of lean production methods in Australian manufacturing industry. Data were gathered through a telephone survey from 51 companies representing a range of industry sectors. The study found that a large majority of the companies were...

Describes the experience of an Australian automotive parts manufacturer over the ten‐year period from 1984‐1994 as it adopted lean production methods and new work organization structures. Outlines the activities undertaken as part of a just‐in‐time programme during the second half of the...

Sets out to determine whether or not JIT methods are applicable to Australian manufacturers and if so, how they can be implemented successfully. Presents a brief review of the literature and highlights various definitions of JIT. Summarizes the aims and conclusions of 1980s research in...

Anti‐discrimination legislation continues to be used as a social and labour market mechanism yet the results of Australian telephone surveys of randomly selected employers and job applicants indicate that discrimination in the recruitment and selection process is flourishing despite such...