Managing waste and looking beyond: the IMI approach

Manufacturing of perfect, defect free, products has long been recognised, and still remains an important strategic objective for any company aspiring to build market share in a globally competitive economic environment. In this paper we examine the key quality-led techniques that have helped take Japan from a state of decimation to a leading world economy. From examination of Japanese corporate practices, a holistic model which directs attention to the key aspects that need to be taken into account in order to breed continuous improvement, is developed. The model proposed is generically relevant because it allows organisations to adapt it to their specific needs whilst ensuring that continuous improvement is not undermined.