Lean/six sigma. Its kinda hard to describe, but its basically a way of doing business that is 'more efficient'. Its principles are having as little inventory on hand as possible and trying to make sure there is no process waste by making sure everything happens "just in time". For everyone but workers it works pretty well to generate more profit and produce more goods, or at least it did until the supply chain got completely fucked.
As an american, I can confirm these are not our best and brightest. The best and brightest have either started leaving or they are seduced by big business and paid absurd (for working class) salaries to ignore the problems of the country.