... customers, and informal and effective internal communication patterns and working methods. Practical implications Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives...

... percent four years ago, and separate figures indicate that unit prices of Chinese shoes had declined from €13.8 in 2002 to €7.7 in 2005. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited 2006 Footwear industry Europe Customization Waste management Materials management Sustainable development Yet...

... the argument in context. Findings Within just a few years, a European project is aiming to have broken new ground in rapid manufacturing and so transform the way some products are made. The vision of the custom‐fit program is to develop a new fully integrated manufacturing process where complex...

... standard CAD and Microsoft Office programs. Findings Using design technology has reduced custom design lead times for particular items from weeks to hours, with customers now being provided with drawings the next day, or even graphics via e‐mail the same day. Originality/value Has...