These methods are based on principles such as team-work, devolution of management responsibility and high levels of workforce engagement in continuous product and process improvement. This is argued to require not only mastery of occupationally specific competencies but also an understanding of the theoretical principles and knowledge that underpin routine tasks. This broader understanding is necessary to engage in creative problem solving and experimentation (Keep and Payne 2004: 55). Other skills include literacy and numeracy, facility with computers, verbal communication skills and capacity to engage with external suppliers or customers.