The story covers 10 years in the development of a major strategic initiative by Pirelli General - the creation and operation of an automated factory of the future'. Each chapter advances the story through a particular theme introduced by concise overviews of the main theories, concepts and debates in the literature, and concludes with questions for discussion. Key topics covered are: "strategy and structure" - the competitive environment, strategic decision-making, roles, relationships and tensions in a complex multinational; "human resource management and industrial relations" - greenfield versus brownfield' siting, flexibility, multi-skilling, single-union agreement, developing and implementing new HRM strategy; "technological innovation" - designing and implementing computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), the challenges and problems of total automation; "total quality management "- introducing a culture of continuous improvement; and "managing strategic innovation" - continuity and change, leadership and culture, ideals and realities, learning in organizations.