The presence of the ikeiretsu/i or business system is frequently cited in explaining the high efficiency and environmental adaptability of Japanese firms. It is sometimes regarded as an extension of the so-called collectivistic management or as an organization, standing between firms and...

Before taking up the task of discussing international comparisons of keiretsu transactions, one fact must be made clear. This is that this form of transactions exists in the United States as well. It, in fact, existed particularly in such durable consumer goods industries as automobiles and is...

This paper reports a speech by Michikazu Tanaka, former Senior Managing Director in charge of Production at Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd., about Taiichi Ohno, the creator of so called Toyota Production System (T. P. S.). Tanaka explains how Ohno, Executive Vice President of Toyota then, led the...

This paper is a memo of an interview with Taiichi Ohno, known as the creator of so-called Toyota Production System (TPS). The interview was conducted by the authors for about three hours on July 16, 1984 at the headquarters of Toyota Gosei (a Toyota group parts supplier at which Mr. Ohno was an...

This paper is based on a lecture provided by Masao Nemoto, Former Senior Managing Director of Toyota Motor Corporation and former Chairman/President of Toyota Gosei Co., Ltd. in July 1997. Mr Nemoto is known as one of the leaders of Toyota's TQC activities (Total Quality Control) during its...