Buyer-supplier relations in the UK automotive industry: strategic implications of the Japanese manufacturing model

Article Abstract:

The troubled UK automotive industry has begun to adopt Japanese-style manufacturing methods in a bid to reduce costs while increasing labor productivity. These methods include production models, such as just-in-time manufacturing and total quality control, that have been central to Japanese success in the automotive industry. However, the implementation of Japanese manufacturing techniques is proving particularly difficult given the constraints imposed by the prevailing structure of the UK automotive industry and the growing distrust among automotive suppliers of the motives behind the move toward Japanese-style methods. It is suggested that the UK automotive industry, by supplanting traditional production methods with a manufacturing philosophy that is incompatible with its longstanding industrial structure, risks destroying the strengths of its existing framework of supplier relations.

Motor vehicles and car bodies, Motor vehicle parts and accessories, United Kingdom, Usage, Automobile equipment and supplies industry, Economic aspects, Automotive parts industry, Automobile industry, Production management, Total quality management

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Working parents: shifting traditional roles

Article Abstract:

A nationwide, spring 1986 mail survey of 1,712 working women indicates that increased female work force participation is associated with changes in domestic relationships. Mothers with children under age 18 represented 86.7 percent of the sample. Over three quarters of all respondents acknowledged the difficulty of having a career and children, but also indicated their willingness and ability to do so. The majority of respondents' husbands were reported to be willing to share in traditionally 'female' household chores, such as: child care (80 percent), cooking (61 percent), shopping (52 percent), laundry (43 percent), and attending children's school functions (71 percent). Most husbands of working mothers also continue to perform 'male' tasks such as home maintenance (85.5 percent) and garbage removal (60.5 percent).

Social aspects, Research, Sex role, Sex roles, Domestic relations, Family relations, Businesswomen, Households, Dual-career families

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JIT: will suppliers embrace their new roles?

Article Abstract:

Just-in-time (JIT) inventory management systems will change the current relationship between manufacturers and their suppliers. Traditional inventory systems require large expensive inventories and extensive rework, while JIT systems use small batch processing which allows for minimal inventory levels and no defects. The small batch processing of JIT means that suppliers are going to incur increased handling and transportation costs, and suppliers may also have to adjust their own manufacturing cycles. Additionally, JIT also requires suppliers to: move closer to their customers; increase their quality control; and redesign their delivery systems.

Analysis, Industrial suppliers

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