Questions Relative to References

Since its origin, and especially since its first international program, GERPISA has been fulfilling two major functions : the first is to deal with subjects that can only be explored by mobilizing multiple disciplinary competences, and by sharing research results relative to particular aspects of automobile constructors and suppliers; the second is to carry out from there the most collective methodological and theoretical reflection possible, clearly identifying each person's contribution. This form of cooperation allows for more or less finalized texts to circulate within the networks, as well as for debates wherein no one hesitates to express his/her hypotheses and knowledge. This cooperation can last only if each one of us takes care to mention what GERPISA and its various members contributed to the texts written both within the framework of GERPISA and elsewhere. Failure to respect these minimal rules would compromise the type of collaboration we are striving to develop between us. Each GERPISA member not only has a right to request rectification if he/she notices an obvious breach, but he/she must do so in order that we continue to work together in the most open and confident manner possible.

As we have already mentioned, each book in preparation will have a common preface presenting the program and "general conclusions". The list of all workshop group members will also be included. Coordinators, in most cases also the authors of the introduction and conclusion, will not only refer to the general problematic of the program and to the different authors of the book coming under their responsibility, but also to the other members of their workshop when this is called for. These references not only concern published articles or books, but also texts and communications written within the framework of GERPISA and not published elsewhere. They do not only refer to reported facts and subsequent conclusions, but also ideas and hypotheses, including those presented in debates when facts or major hypotheses are clearly discussed in public. They must be precise and refer to the actual author, particularly in the case of a collective work, and presented in an internationally-accepted format. The coordinators, who are themselves responsible for applying these rules, are also in charge of making sure that the authors do the same, and if need be, to ask them to add more references.

More and more, GERPISA members are publishing articles or books outside of the network which directly or indirectly deal with production models in the automobile industry. This is a normal and desirable thing unto itself. When their participation in GERPISA obviously had an influence on their reflection, for the most part this fact is mentioned, but unfortunately, not in all cases. As regards texts published within GERPISA, not only is it recommended, but it is essential to respect all necessary references. This is a matter which directly reflects upon GERPISA's reason for existence.

In the "Program News" column, readers may find a proposal for the second program's problematic. This problematic attempts to justify the selected research question by demonstrating that it probably makes up the most important challenge for the automobile industry in the next decade. The task before us will be to enumerate and identify the subjects to be dealt with in order to answer to each one.

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