The impact of just-in-time production on food quality

We examine the impact of just-in-time (JIT) production on food quality. Our research is based on canvassing a frame of 198 food companies in the State of South Carolina, USA, by means of field studies and pilot pretests; on mail survey questionnaires to vice-presidents of production; and on follow-up telephone interviews. Data collected from the mail survey questionnaire are analysed to identify the key components of JIT production in the food industry. Descriptive statistics are deployed to provide a picture of the JIT dimensions and qualify mechanisms. Regression and canonical correlation are used to test the hypothesis that JIT production has a positive impact on food quality. Factor analysis is applied to condense the many variables we began with and to elicit the key agents of JIT production in the food industry.