Setting the Scene

Abstract

Over the last few decades there have been countless surveys which have disclosed the difficulties involved in introducing new technology into manufacturing industry. Such surveys are usually conducted by external observers and consultants, who examine the attitudes of senior management to these difficulties. Our approach is to concentrate more on the behaviour of middle and lower managers, with emphasis on the detailed analyses of industrial performances in real time. These analyses involve a unique comprehensive system of information gathering including questionnaires, structured interviews, analysis of company data and the generation of our own data.