This book explains the increasingly important concept of 'just-in-time' management of manufacturing or JIT. The essence of the book is to show managers how JIT works, both in theory and practice, and how they can learn from Japanese manufacturers, who developed JIT. Key feature of the book include (1) its practical nature, which is provided in a highly detailed analysis of JIT and (2) setting JIT in the broader manufacturing context. It is required reading for all manufacturing and production managers and directors. Chapters include: Introduction Types of production systems Control of flow-line manufacture and assembly Material requirements planning Layout Costing systems The effect of demand Purchasing Quality Maintenance Work organisation JIT manufacture and organisational change Implementation References and bibliography