Section Two
productivity implies producing more with the
same resources or, in a saturated market,
producing the same amounts with fewer
resources. In the latter case, which is the rule
rather than the exception in the industrialized
nations today, downsizing is the inevitable
consequence.^73Although De Sousa claims that layoffs can be avoided,
presumably by attrition, worker insecurity resulting from
downsizing or layoffs would seem to undermine the
TQM philosophy.
Integrated Manufacturing
Integrated manufacturing systems provide a new approach for
streamlined manufacturing. Such systems are commonly
composed of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT), TQM,
and just-in-time (JIT) inventory control methods. AMT is a
manufacturing approach based on highly computerized
technologies, such as computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
JIT inventory control is a method for delivering manufacturing
components to the production line at the shortest practical time
before they are needed. When these technologies and
managerial systems are combined, integrated manufacturing
systems have the potential to provide greater dissemination of