Considerações críticas sobre a evolução das filosofias de administração da produção : do "just-in-case" ao "just-in-time"

This paper presents and critically discusses the features of the two main approaches currently in use for materiais management and productionadministration: the traditional "just-in-case" philosophyand the "just-in-time" philosophy. In addition, it discusses the classical forms of operationalization of these philosophies, focusing on the main changes to be introduced in a "just-in-case" organized factory in arder to transform it into a "just-in-time" organized factory. Finally, it briefly discusses some applications of the "just-in-time" philosophy and their practical resultsin brazilian industries.