Includes bibliographical references (p. 247-251) and index.
Chapter 1. Industrial Management in Japan and the World 1 -- Lesson 1 Management technology is a highly transportable commodity -- Chapter 2. Just-in-Time Production with Total Quality Control 15 -- Lesson 2 Just-in-time production exposes problems otherwise hidden by excess inventories and staff -- Chapter 3. Total Quality Control 47 -- Lesson 3 Quality begins with production, and requires a company-wide "habit of improvement." -- Chapter 4. The Debut of Just-in-Time Production in the United States 83 -- Lesson 4 Culture is no obstacle; techniques can change behavior -- Chapter 5. Plant Configurations 103 -- Lesson 5 Simplify, and goods will flow like water -- Chapter 6. Production-Line Management 131 -- Lesson 6 Flexibility opens doors -- Chapter 7. Just-in-Time Purchasing 157 -- Lesson 7 Travel light and make numerous trips--like the water beetle -- Chapter 8. Quality Circles, Work Improvement, and Specialization 181 -- Lesson 8 More self-improvement, fewer programs, less specialist intervention -- Chapter 9. Prospects for Catching Up 199 -- Lesson 9 Simplicity is the natural state -- Appendix The Kanban System 219.