Human resource management strategies and practices in Just-In-Time environments: Australian case study evidence

Abstract

Just-In-Time is a philosophy aimed at minimizing total costs through the pursuit of continuous improvement, the application of specific manufacturing and purchasing techniques, a commitment to total quality and the unlocking of the full potential of an organization's human resources. In more recent times there has been an increase in research into the effect on and importance of the human variable to the success of Just-In-Time. This paper examines current human resource management practice in three Australian companies that have been operating the JIT methodology for some years. The cases focus on practice in the areas of levels of participation, multi-skilling and flexibility, communicatio..