ABSTRACT
As a prerequisite for an effective presentation of Agility it is necessary to first recount some key events in the progression of manufacturing (Figure 2.1). This presentation is based upon the Stage Model theories (Kuznets, 1965) which have been applied in many fields (e.g. economic development, Marx, 1932; Information systems, Nolan, 1973; 1979, etc.). Presentation of stages of manufacturing helps provide a framework for the theory formulation of Agile Manufacturing. Multiple stages and transitions identified by many well-respected authors will be presented. An effort is made to show the attributes of each stage and the forces driving its evolutionary process. The stage models compiled in this chapter are loosely based upon the models of Skinner (1985), laikumar (1986), Goldman (1993), Shapiro (1987), Doll and Vonderembse (1992) and Rostow (1993).
