GLOBALIZATION: "The inexorable integration of markets, nation-states, and technologies to a degree never witnessed before -- in a way that is enabling individuals, corporations and nation-states to reach around the world farther, faster, deeper and cheaper than ever before...the spread of free-market capitalism to virtually every country in the world." (T.L. Friedman, The Lexus and the Olive tree, 1999, p. 7-8).

LEAN MANUFACTURING: From a term coined in the James P. Womack book, The Machine That Changed the World, based largely on his observations of the Toyota Production System. The focus at Toyota was the absolute elimination of waste, especially anything that prevents the most optimum flow and assembly of material, from raw material to finished goods. Lean principles have been implemented by many manufacturers, and many other non-manufacturing organizations, with great success, resulting in significant improvements in quality, cost and delivery performance.