Year
1997
Degree Name
Master of Total Quality Management (Hons.)
Department
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Recommended Citation
Sukarma, Lukman, Applying the just-in-time production system in developing countries: lessons learnt from Japan and the West, Master of Total Quality Management (Hons.) thesis, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wollongong, 1997. https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/2912
Abstract
This study embodies a critical analysis on the possibility of implementing JIT in manufacturing firms in developing countries (DCs), with the aim of developing guidelines for implementing JIT in the environment of DCs. But, due to the broad scope of the targeted population, only general guidelines can be presented. These include productivity improvement, the management of quality, the management of production and inventory, and building supplier relationships. To accomplish this objective, this study commences with a theoreticalbased discussion of the philosophical foundation of JIT and an exploration of the characteristics of DCs. This is followed by an investigation of JIT implementation in Japan and the West, as well as its possible application in DCs. This exploration provides useful information for developing models for JIT implementation in DCs, and on issues relating to the creation, development, refming, and diffusion of the JIT system. In order to carry out future research, a questionnaire is also devised to measure the effectiveness of JIT implementation in DCs. It is concluded that companies in DCs wishing to improve productivity and quality must implement the JIT system for their survival. They need not necessarily follow the same path in implementing JIT as those followed by the Japanese or Western companies, since they are confronted with a different environment to both these groups. Instead, they should develop strategies utilising local strengths in combination with Western and Japanese experiences rather than imitate them.
Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.