Many companies have made shortening the production rate of various processes their primary goal. Most of these companies have reviewed costs and eliminated as much product cost as feasible. Now the focus is on speed. The commitment to speed affects every phase of a company's business. Administration, sales, engineering, and production are all expected to complete tasks faster and more efficiently than ever before. Improved computer technologies have allowed companies to organize, synthesize, and analyze information, giving firms that can operate faster a competitive advantage.

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A. Explain how faster processes can be applied in areas such as engineering and administration. How can reduced process times in these areas help a company be more competitive?

B. Explain why improved quality is essential to a company that is able to work faster and reduce process times.

C. Teamwork is essential to any successful effort to reduce process time and speed up processes. Do you agree? Why or why not?

D. What are potential problems that may arise from the increased speed of processes?