It is not a crisis - at least not yet - but numerous Canadian SMEs need to get with the lean program before it's too late. The authors visited 18 firms and though they found that lean practices were wanting, they were able to turn their findings into recommendations that manufacturing managers everywhere can implement to make their operations lean.

The technical services manager must decide on how to proceed with the development of a new fish head cutting device based on results from a summer study of fish flesh waste. Various alternatives are presented along with projected costs, all with varying degrees of technological and financial risk. (A sequel to this case is available, titled Canadian Fishing Company (B), case 9A88D007.)

The technical services manager must decide on how to proceed with the development of a new fish head cutting device based on results from a summer study of fish flesh waste. Various alternatives are presented along with projected costs, all with varying degrees of technological and financial risk. (A sequel to this case is available, titled Canadian Fishing Company (B), case 9A88D007.)

The services manager was reviewing the latest progress status of the new fish head cutting device development program. The project was behind schedule and decisions needed to be made on several contingency plans. The technical services manager also wondered how to ensure speedy development of the device without jeopardizing the joint venture relationship. (This case is a sequel to Canadian Fishing Company (A), case 9A88D006.)