Despite an avalanche of literature over the last 30 years there has been relatively little written on the role played by strategic planning in the transfer of technology, particularly from developed to less developed countries. Technology transfer, which involves the acquisition of inventive activity by secondary users, is conceded vital to socio-economic growth, but usually it is looked at internationally from a micro perspective. Unlike other books, Madu's volume looks at technology transfer holistically. It examines the advantages of technology transfer and its limitations by viewing...

This unique book develops the application of experimental statistical designs and analysis to discrete-event simulation modeling. It takes a practical perspective and orients the reader with examples of the role of simulation in modeling a system. The stages and steps for applying simulation are discussed by focusing on the important role of statistics. Examples are given about how to design an experiment using techniques such as classical designs, group screening, polynomial decomposition, and Taguchi designs. Using the statistical techniques discussed, a sound simulation model can be...

Management of new technologies is a critical factor in achieving global competitiveness. A recent survey of managers in the United States revealed that the implementation of new and advanced technologies is the most popular strategy in achieving global competitiveness. This book explores the role of technology in that context. The book identifies the role of new technologies in improving quality and shows that adopting a strategic total quality management will, in fact, lead to improved productivity and survivability of the firm. A thorough comparison of the Japanese and American...

Strategic Total Quality Management is a new way of looking at quality. It views quality from corporate performance and product quality. Corporate performance is measured by the response of the firm to the emerging changes in its business environment. Increasingly, issues concerning the environment, business ethics and integrity are important and do affect the competitiveness and survivability of the firm. Quality must, therefore, take a more systemic or holistic definition. Also, with the increasing focus on product quality and many companies targeting six sigma or zero defect, product...

Environmental quality management is seen as a competitive strategy that could help a firm improve its bottom line. It is argued that being environmentally correct is good business that can provide competitive advantage to the firm in the long term and help it to survive and remain in business. To achieve environmental quality, top management must take the lead and refocus its objectives by redefining its customers. Rather than a focus only on direct customers who are consumers of the product, emphasis should be on the stakeholders of the environment since they can potentially influence the...