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The lean production model does not say much about the shop‐floor implications for working practices and labour management relations — the assumption is that workers would prefer to be under a lean regime — or indeed how firms might begin to introduce new working practices (Womak et al 1990). On the other hand, many related studies have been critical of the model, noting for example work intensification, greater management control, and questioning the notion of multi‐skilling (Rehder 1989, 1990, Dankbaar 1988, Pollert 1988) and its applicability (Wood 1991). Using four European case studies in automotive presswork, this paper examines the introduction of new working practices on the shop‐floor, and the links between those practices and the introductions of new presswork technologies. Finally, we draw conclusions from the case studies with respect to our understanding of skill and the relationship between organisational and technological changes on the shop‐floor.

The paper examines the development of a training centre focused on the automotive sector in Wales. An Automotive Training Centre is being set up by Ford in partnership with the WDA and is intended for use by Ford and local component suppliers, irrespective of whether or not they are Ford suppliers. There are several reasons why a shared training centre makes sense for Ford, local companies and the wider labour market.

Spotlights the Toyota automobile company and its status as the third largest car producer, in addition to being the fifth largest industrial company in the world. Concentrates on the Japanese management system and its value and philosophy. Delves into the Toyota corporate structure and hiring process, stressing the ethics of the team as being the most important part of the process, with open communication, non‐monetary awards, and the pay/bonus system – which are allied to making the company more successful.

Field-based education for environmental studies has been a foundational principle for the Environmental Studies program at Stockton University, which began in 1971. Located within the 445,000 hectare Pinelands National Reserve, on an 800-hectare campus near Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA, two professors in the program discuss our rationale and experiences teaching students about the environment within the environment. Expounding on the interdisciplinary literature of field-based learning, we present four unique case studies including local and regional experiences, as well as student learning abroad. The first case proposes that learning outdoors might be beneficial for students with learning disabilities. This is exemplified during a one-week field study to the 2.4 million hectare Adirondack Park & Preserve. The second instance reveals the benefits of working with local towns and environs acting as consultants in a multidisciplinary capstone experience. Next, we show how on-campus data collection and hypothesis formulation help students to learn about environmental design and statistical analysis. Finally, an international trip to the Caribbean opens the minds of students through a service learning project. While on campus, in town, across the United States or at an international destination, learning in the field gives students the opportunity to expand their knowledge through field-based active learning strategies.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the fast‐growing virtual world, focusing on the appeal of these environments for the “digital native” generation and the growth of Second Life.

The paper examines the latest research on virtual worlds and Second Life, examining the corporate presence “in‐world,” as well as the economic, technical, legal, ethical, and security issues involved for companies doing business in the virtual world.

The paper shows that Second Life and virtual worlds hold great opportunities, along with significant downsides, for companies.

The research is limited by the very fact that this is a fast‐developing, fast‐changing area, constantly generating both new opportunities and new issues/challenges.

With projections that 80 percent of all internet users will be involved in virtual worlds by 2011, it is important that executives and academicians be knowledgeable about these 3D internet environments.

The paper traces the development of virtual worlds in the larger context of the growth of online gaming as a form of entertainment and interaction. It takes an objective look at the benefits and pitfalls for organizations looking to engage in Second Life and other virtual worlds.

The purpose of this paper is to explore how business schools can better engage with business practice, building on literature that highlights their lack of impact and questions their business-model sustainability. Reporting exemplars of good practice in engagement (in both research and teaching), the paper offers six recommendations for Deans of business schools, government, and businesses.

The research was undertaken for a report commissioned by the Association of Business Schools for the Minister of State for Universities and Science. Methods included a review of published literature; surveys of practising managers, managers who had changed careers to work in business schools, managers who had taken MBA degrees, doctoral students, deans of business schools, and fellows of learned societies; and interviews with individuals close to government who were themselves preparing reports on shaping government policy for business development and economic growth. Examples of good practice were examined for both content and lessons on how they developed.

Six recommendations are proposed, on programme design; faculty skills and experience; developing partnerships and relationships; assessing impact; managing and organizing research; and differentiating business-school offerings for enhanced profile and distinctiveness. Two further crosscutting themes relate to the incentives that might be required for change to happen, and the capabilities needed for delivery.

Originality in the paper stems from its focus on the solutions to the problems identified, as opposed to the restatement of the problems themselves.

ITS: Intertrade Scientific Ltd, the UK based manufacturer of the MCT/Browne InfraRed Reflow Soldering Systems for SMT and Hybrid applications, as part of their aggressive drive into Europe, has announced the signing of a distributor agreement with Maquinaria Suiza SA of Spain. Under the agreement, Maquinaria Suiza will be the sole supplier of the highly successful product range to Spain and Portugal.

Jenny Wheeler has recently joined PRTM Ltd, an international operations management consultancy company offering implementation orientated support to high technology industry. PRTM Ltd has considerable experience in streamlining the manufacturing, distribution and services process. Jenny has joined to strengthen their rapidly expanding service in the area of Product Development/Time‐to‐Market, where they have currently helped clients achieve reductions in product development cycle times by more than 50%.