[en] Some of the virtues and the limitations of the existing QCD Monte-Carlo models for e⁺e^- annihilation are discussed. In particular, the question of whether the uncalculable fragmentation phase prohibits an accurate determination of the size of the strong interaction coupling constant, α/sub s/, at present energies is addressed. It is argued that, although the Monte-Carlo models are good for some things, they are not particularly useful in determining α/sub s/. The coupling α/sub s/ is best determined by directly comparing e⁺e^- data with second order analytic calculations and a prototype analysis is presented which yields Λ/sub ms/ approx. = 0.2 +- 0.1 Ge. Monte-Carlo models that do not rely on the limited transverse momentum jet parameterization of Field and Feynman are examined and a dynamical mechanism for the production of baryons in e⁺e^- annihilations both on and off the Upsilon resonance is presented. 36 references