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This book is dedicated to the best earthly gifts that God has given to memy children Erica and Adam. May God grant them as much happiness in their lives ahead as He has brought to me through them. Page v CONTENTS Acknowledgments vii Introduction ix Chapter 1 The Model 1 Book One Where We've Been and Where We Are 5 Chapter 2 Dominant Themes: Control, Computers, and a Global Focus 7 Chapter 3 Environmental Factors: From Deregulation to Quantum Physics 13 Chapter 4 Dominant Manpower Issues: The End of the Direct Labor Era 26 Chapter 5 Dominant Methods: Doing It by the Numbers 33 Chapter 6 Dominant Materials in the Information Age 61 Chapter 7 Dominant Machines: The Reign of the Computer 77 Chapter 8 Back to the Model 99 Book Two: Where We Are Headed 107 Chapter 9 Dominant Themes: From the 1990s Through the Twenty-First Century 109 Chapter 10 Environmental Factors: Building Alliances in a Fragmented World 113 Chapter 11 Dominant Manpower Issues: Education or Extinction 127 Chapter 12 Dominant Methods: Forging Strong Links in the Global Chain 153 Chapter 13 Dominant Materials: From Software and Silicon to Composites and Ceramics 203 Chapter 14 Dominant Machines: Equipment With a High IQ 234 Chapter 15 Using the Model to Identify Your "Critical Path" and Manage Change in the Twenty-First Century 253 Chapter 16 Conclusions and Recommendations 262 Epilogue: A Personal Note From the Author 267 Bibliography 269 Index 273 Page vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS There are three primary groups of people to whom I am indebted for enabling me to write this book.

Among the most prolific controlled responses were the adoption of the Japanese stockless production/just-in-time/total quality management techniques, and an approach to total computer-based integration commonly referred to as computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). JIT and the related concept of stockless production are centered on the idea of eliminating waste in all its forms throughout the manufacturing company. Waste here is broadly defined and includes anything and everything that does not add value to the product.

Despite this data, acquisitions and mergers are Page 18 increasingly the method of choice for companies attempting to extend their markets overseas. This is particularly telling in light of the recent opening of many European markets, since it is likely to remain a popular strategy for companies moving to that growing market. In addition, emerging industry companies such as biotechnology businesses reported rate marketing capability and capital availability as paramount reasons for considering consolidation through mergers and acquisitions in the current environment.