Over the 14 years since economic reform began, and the restructuring of the economy to encourage international trade, a large number of township enterprises have been developed and put into operation in the Peoples Republic of China. From 1978 to 1991, the number of enterprises has increased 11.5 times; the number of employees has increased 2.4 times; the fixed assets have increased 13.7 times;...

The small-scale industries (SSIs) have a direct relevance for national and local socioeconomic development. However, SSIs that use fossil fuels also contribute not only local pollution, but also greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions that are associated with the global problem of climate change. Select cleaner technologies can help not only in reducing local pollution and GHG emissions, but also provi...

Exposure to organic solvent vapors was investigated in 40 unit workplaces (with 189 workers) in 16 small-scale industries in north-east Japan (Tohoku District) in which synthetic urushi lacquer was applied to produce non-metal tableware (e.g. soup bowls, rice bowls), flower vases, home altars, etc. Two furniture factories were also studied. The equipment used was carbon felt dosimeters and a po...

Overall operational excellence is the key requirement of any business to have global competence and sustained growth. Indian industries are not the exception to this. Six Sigma has emerged as one of the most effective business improvement strategies worldwide. Nothing much has been published so far illustrating an overall experience of Indian industries with Six Sigma. This paper presents an an...