The Morioka Manufacturing
PREREADING EXERCISE
Discuss the following questions in class before reading the case.
1. In your opinion, what are the reasons for the Japanese “economic miracle” that has occurred since World War II?
2. Many Japanese companies have become extremely successful in international business during the past twenty years. Which Japanese firms and products are well known in your country? In your opinion, why have these Japanese products been so successful?
3. The Japanese style of management has received considerable attention lately because of the success of the Japanese in doing business overseas. What do you know about Japanese management techniques?
4. How would you describe the system of management that is widely used in your country?
Case 6
THE MORIOKA MANUFACTURING
INTRODUCTION
During the 1970s and 1980s, worldwide attention has focused on the successes of Japanese firms doing business in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. Nissan, Toyota, Honda, NEC, Sanyo, Panasonic, and numerous other Japanese brand names have become household words throughout the world. Only two or three decades ago, the largest and most successful international firms came almost exclusively from the United States and Western Europe. How have the Japanese attained such an impressive position in world markets? As we have already seen in “The U.S. Auto Industry Case,” the Japanese auto manufacturers are currently exceeding their American and European competitors in labor productivity and in reducing production costs. In addition, in many industries the quality of Japanese products is perceived to be better than that of firms from other countries. Companies that want to compete successfully against the Japanese will need to achieve similar results in their own business activities. The purpose of this case is to focus attention on the issue of labor productivity, using the Japanese model as a basis for the discussion. Japanese-style management has
Discuss the following questions in class before reading the case.
1. In your opinion, what are the reasons for the Japanese “economic miracle” that has occurred since World War II?
2. Many Japanese companies have become extremely successful in international business during the past twenty years. Which Japanese firms and products are well known in your country? In your opinion, why have these Japanese products been so successful?
3. The Japanese style of management has received considerable attention lately because of the success of the Japanese in doing business overseas. What do you know about Japanese management techniques?
4. How would you describe the system of management that is widely used in your country?
Case 6
THE MORIOKA MANUFACTURING
INTRODUCTION
During the 1970s and 1980s, worldwide attention has focused on the successes of Japanese firms doing business in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. Nissan, Toyota, Honda, NEC, Sanyo, Panasonic, and numerous other Japanese brand names have become household words throughout the world. Only two or three decades ago, the largest and most successful international firms came almost exclusively from the United States and Western Europe. How have the Japanese attained such an impressive position in world markets? As we have already seen in “The U.S. Auto Industry Case,” the Japanese auto manufacturers are currently exceeding their American and European competitors in labor productivity and in reducing production costs. In addition, in many industries the quality of Japanese products is perceived to be better than that of firms from other countries. Companies that want to compete successfully against the Japanese will need to achieve similar results in their own business activities. The purpose of this case is to focus attention on the issue of labor productivity, using the Japanese model as a basis for the discussion. Japanese-style management has