... to shape the evolution of end products”. Many of the examples on which they based their theories were large, successful Japanese companies. Before the end of the century, however, the perform-ance ... managers are in a hole, they should stop digging. Instead, like a car stuck in the mud, they keep the engine turning as if they are on a normal road. They do this partly because they “equate inertia ... is sold with the understanding that the author, the publisher and The Economist are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, investment-planning, or other professional advice. The reader should...