The virtual corporation

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This timely and important book presents an integrated vision of the customer-driven company of the future. It explores modern strategies such as lean production technology, stripped-down management, worker empowerment, and flexible customized manufacturing, illustrating how these concepts converge to form a new corporate model and drive a global business revolution. The authors provide compelling case studies of American, Japanese, and European companies that have successfully enhanced competitiveness by redesigning their operations and business relationships, achieving remarkable gains. They also critically examine American corporations that are losing market share due to outdated practices. Success in the future global marketplace will hinge on corporations producing "virtual" products that are high in value, diverse, and instantly available to meet customer demands. Central to this transformation are fast-evolving information technologies, a heightened focus on quality, accelerated product development, and innovative management practices that foster collaboration between management and labor. Additionally, new connections among companies, suppliers, consumers, and government will be crucial. This cutting-edge work synthesizes influential ideas in modern business theory and has sparked excitement and debate across industry, academia, and government, making it essential reading for those shaping America’s economic future.