Juan A. Marin‐Garcia, Manuela Pardo del Val and Tomás Bonavía Martín
The purpose of this paper is to show a real experience of how a scheme of continuous improvement has been gradually transformed, from a very unsuccessful start, passing through…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show a real experience of how a scheme of continuous improvement has been gradually transformed, from a very unsuccessful start, passing through different phases and finally delivering results for the firm.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyse the evolution of the formal programs of continuous improvement of a firm in a traditional sector (food). The data for the research were gathered by means of participatory observation over the course of 18 months spent in the firm attending the meetings of the improvement teams.
Findings
Both programs (individual and group) have proved to be very profitable for the company. However, there is no magic formula for the correct operation of the system of continuous improvement. The existing system has to be continually improved, correcting faults and trying always to contribute something new to re‐launch the system regularly.
Practical implications
This study has also permitted the authors to highlight the importance of continuous improvement in the firm from both the economic point of view and that of worker development.
Originality/value
The investigation aims to help to cover the lack of longitudinal case studies of continuous improvement.
Details
Keywords
Juan A. Marín García, Manuela Pardo del Val and Tomás Bonavia Martin
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of training on ad hoc teams in an industrial setting.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of training on ad hoc teams in an industrial setting.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, data were collected from 11 Spanish automobile manufacturer suppliers and included the assessment of the current situation, the creation and holding of different workshops followed by the collection of the results.
Findings
The paper finds that ad hoc teams are really effective especially in lean companies.
Originality/value
This paper breaks new ground in analysing the effect of training ad hoc teams in an industrial setting.
This chapter deals with the development of banking in the Crown of Aragon from the end of the thirteenth century through the establishment of money changers, which followed…
Abstract
This chapter deals with the development of banking in the Crown of Aragon from the end of the thirteenth century through the establishment of money changers, which followed similar patterns as in other Western European territories. It starts with a review of existing literature and follows with an explanation on the different banking services provided by money changers and the specific legal framework that supported such activities. It then examines the geographical distribution of private banks in cities and towns within the domains of the kings of Aragon, as well as their evolution throughout the fourteenth century. After that, it offers an analysis of the most common professional profiles among these bankers and financers. Finally, drawing on a heterogeneous pool of unpublished data, it seeks to shed light on the diversity of investors and clients of these establishments, a crucial proof of their role in integrated financial markets.