Manufacturing has entered the early stages of a revolutionary period caused by the convergence of three powerful trends: The rapid advancement and spread of manufacturing capabilities worldwide has created intense competition on a global scale. The emergence of advanced manufacturing technologies is dramati cally changing both the products and processes of modern manufac turing. Changes in traditional management and labor practices, organiza tional structures, and decision-making criteria represent new sources of competitiveness and introduce new strategic opportunities. These trends are...

Manufacturing has entered the early stages of a revolutionary period caused by the convergence of three powerful trends: The rapid advancement and spread of manufacturing capabilities worldwide has created intense competition on a global scale. The emergence of advanced manufacturing technologies is dramati cally changing both the products and processes of modern manufac turing. Changes in traditional management and labor practices, organiza tional structures, and decision-making criteria represent new sources of competitiveness and introduce new strategic opportunities. These trends are...