Using “Just‐In‐Time” in Developing Countries: A Case Study in Tanzania

This article reports the results of a study that focuses on the use of the just‐in‐time (JIT) technique in developing countries, with particular reference to textile manufacturing firms in Tanzania. Although the use of JIT can improve a firm's manufacturing performance, there are fundamental problems that must be solved before it can be used successfully in Tanzania. This study identifies the following problems: (1) financial constraints; (2) inadequate supply of inputs required for the mills to operate near capacity; (3) international delivery delays; (4) an inadequate transportation infrastructure, and (5) unreliable product demand forecasts. These problems are explored, and the author offers a series of recommendations for improvement.