AN EXAMINATION OF THE LITERATURE RELATING TO ISSUES AFFECTING THE HUMAN VARIABLE IN JUST-IN-TIME ENVIRONMENTS

There has been an extensive body of research conducted into the techni cal aspects of the just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing methodology, parti cularly prior to 1990. It is only in more recent times that the focus has turned toward the more subtle people-related aspects. The recognit ion of JIT as a truly holistic approach to managing manufacturing oper ations has led to an appreciation of the importance of the role played by the human variable as well as an emphasis on the impact that organ isational structure and management style can have on successful operat ion. This article examines and analyses the content of a wide range of articles related to issues such as: the need for change in corporate culture, the role of organizational structures, factors significantly impacting chances of success, the importance of employee involvement, how best to involve employees, the importance of training, how/whom/wh en ro train, different ream-based organisational structures, the impac t of changing roles on various levels of the organisation, and the app ropriateness of particular change management strategies. An overall pi cture of the current state of thinking on these issues is thus develop ed and the importance of these factors to the successful implementatio n and operation of JIT highlighted Opportunities for further research in this important area are identified. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.