Shenyang Smelter. A Case Study of Problems and Reforms in China's Nonferrous Metals Industry

摘要

The case study focusses on the serious problems faced by a large Chinese nonferrous metals smelter and how the plant responded to them. The most important problems were an increasingly disadvantageous location (in the physical/technical sphere) and a 'multi-headed leadership system; (involving different supervisory agencies in the management sphere). Measures taken by the enterprise had only mixed success in dealing with severe constraints and a deteriorating environment. The same is true of the administrative restructuring and centralization of control in China's nonferrous metals industry in 1983. Though this had some beneficial effects, particularly with respect to the Shenyang Smelter, organizational reforms alone cannot provide a fundamental solution to the problems of China's nonferrous metals industry. (Copyright (c) 1985 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank.)