... Theappropriate structure for a particular company isdependent upon many factors including cost, capi-tal available for equipment, potential utilisationof plant, internal and external capabilities ... jobbing, batchand assembly processes. Company D has a signi"-cant fabrication capability, but it also produces a wide range of mechanical components. It has a range of jobbing, batch and assembly ... timeaand Kaizen. The partnership, or obligationalmodel, is characterised by: close operational and strategic linkages between buyer and supplier; theprovision of technical and managed assistance...