ABSTRACT
Tackling the problem as a formal project has value in that all parts of the organization involved are consulted, and the discussions which follow form a valuable forum for exchanging views and ideas. The formal project approach confirmed beyond question the value of action learning, particularly in the information which could be derived from liaison with other industries dealing with similar problems and with projects encountering common objectives. The need for the project arose because it was experiencing increasing difficulty in achieving the required improvement in performance. The problems were further aggravated by the introduction of some newly developed products, a rapidly expanding market and the need for tighter performance targets. Also there were serious material supply problems and a general pressure on cash flow, coincidental with critical loading conditions in certain of the company's feeder departments.
