(a)   is the process of identifying best practice in an industry, in relation to products, processes and operations. it sets standards for other firms to emulate

(a)   is the japanese term for 'continuous improvement' a lean production philosophy where workers and managers continually try to find ways to improve the work processes and efficiency

(a)   is a sustainable model of production based on natural processes. The underlying principle of it is that there is no waste in nature, making production sustainable for future generations

(a)   is an inventory management system absed on stock being delivered as and when they are needed in the production process. As stocks are delivered just before they are used, there is no need to have buffer stocks.

(a)   is a method of lean production used to ensure that inventory is based on actual customers orders using a card system with an inventory number attached to each component in the production

(a)   refers to the approach used to eliminate waste(muda) in an organization. As a result, lean organizations benefit from higher productivity and lower costs

" (a)   " means that a good or service must be fit for its purpose by meeting or exceeding the expectations of consumers

(a)   refers to the methods used by a business to reassure customers that its products meet certain quality standards, such as the ISO 9000

(a)   are groups of workers that meet on a regular basis to identify problems related to quality assurance, to consider alternative solutions to the identified problems and to make feasible recommendations for improvement

(a)   businesses are involved with production that increase in weight during their production process, so need to be located near their customers in order to reduce costs.

(a)   is the traditional way of quality management that involves checking and reviewing work processes. This is usually carried out by quality controllers and inspectors.

(a)   is the function concerned with controlling business activities to ensure that products are fit for their purpose. the quality of a product is seen as an overall package, from the production and purchase of the product to its use and beyond (after-sales care).

(a)   is the process that attempts to encourage all employees to make quality assurance paramount in the various functions (production, finance, marketing and HRM) of an organization

(a)   is the goal of producing each and every product without any mistakes or imperfections, thereby, eliminating waste and reworking time(the time taken to correct faults)

(a)   involves relocating business functions and processes overseas. The offshored functions can remain within the business (with overseas operations) or outsourced to an overseas organization (known as offshore outsourcing).

(a)   are regions identified by the government to be suffering from relatively high unemployment and low incomes, so are in need of regeneration through financial assistance.

(a)   businesses are those that need to locate near the source of their raw materials because they are heavier, and hence more costly, to transport than the final product.

(a)   means that a business locates near other organisations that operate in similar or complementary markets

(a)   is a business that does not gain any cost reducing advantages from locating in a particular location. Hence, the firm can locate in almost any location

(a)   describes the reluctance to relocate due to the inconvenience of moving. Managers may feel that the potential inconveniences and costs of relocation outweigh the benefits

(a)   is the term used to describe the transportation, communication and support networks in a certain area.

(a)   is the use of an organization's own people and resources to accomplish a certain function or task which would otherwise have been outsourced.

(a)   refers to the geographical position of a business. The location is crucial one, and depends on both quantitative and qualitative factors.

(a)   is the practice of transferring internal business activities to an external organization to reduce costs and increase productivity.