Kaizen: The Key To Japan's Competitive Success

Book Description

For the professional manager or student of management, a comprehensive handbook of 16 Kaizen management practices that can be put to work. KAIZEN uses more than 100 examples in action and contains 15 corporate case studies.

Customer Reviews:

Kaizen Myth.......2006-08-04

For 25 years I have been teaching high level engineers and directors at Honda, Mitsubishi Fuso, Mazda and a host of auto part manufacturers.

Kaizen is a mythical term in modern day business practices. Japan's ability to produce high quality products across the board stems foremost from the from the cultural value of obedience to authority. From a young age people are taught to follow an authority figure. Combine this allegiance with a deftness to be meticulous - also instilled through the education system - and you have a workforce which can attain high product quality. Kaizen only works because of the docile obedience of the workforce, not because the theory is a magic bullet.

Excellent Book on Kaizen Concept.......2006-05-24

This is an excellent book on how production is organised in Japan. It explains the Kaizen concept of continuous improvement and its implementation, highlighting the essential differences between the production and operations management philosophies of the West with those of Japan. The foundation of the Kaizen method consists of five fundamental elements namely teamwork, personal discipline, improved morale, quality circles and suggestions for improvement.

This is a very enlightening book for those who want to understand the basic concepts of continuous improvement (as opposed to innovation or business process reengineering) in the production process and how this has been successfully applied in Japan. Some very successful companies like Toyota owe their success largely to the employment of this concept.

This is essential reading for those who wish to introduce Kaizen in their organisation. The book is written in a simple and easy to follow and understand style. However, the book is becoming a bit dated having been written two decades ago, and in any case, the spotlight nowadays has shifted to China, but nevertheless, this is excellent reading about a concept that is still delivering good value to those companies that are correctly employing it.

Excellent overview of Kaizen and TQC (Total Quality Control).......2006-03-21

This book is a must-read for process improvement and Quality Assurance professionals. Senior corporate management would also benefit from selections, especially the first chapter and the chapter on problem solving. The book outlines the key fundamentals, principles, requirements, and expectations related to Kaizen (continuous improvement), with a focus on the highest-level cross-functional goals of Quality, Cost, and Schedule (in that order) that ultimately drive profitability. Appendices, including summaries of 5S, old and new seven statistical tools, Deming Prize criteria, and Cannon company case study are as informative as the body of the book. On the down side, there is some significant repitition. Although the book is nearly 20 years old, it is timeless and as relevant as ever.

Kaizen- the strategies for future success.......2003-10-30

Kaizen, a Japanese word means improvement. How can Japanese enterprise success is the main topic in this book. Actually, Japan has been under economic recession for nearly 10 years. But the Japanese enterprise can still survive, and some enterprises are under the list of Fortune 500. There must be some secret behind.

This first version of this book is written in 1986, Japan at that moment still maintain a high growth, and Japanese enterprise takes a major role in the global business environment. The author found that the major reasons are due to their modification rather than innovation. And these management concepts were learned by foreign companies and used as a framework to develop their management structure. From this book, you will learn lots of the Japanese culture and Japanese management style.

Moreover, you also understand the history of management development. Most of the management concepts used in foreign countries are based on Japanese firm. Like the TQM, process oriented management, and strategies in R&D. So, after reading the book, you will learn the difference between western working culture and Japanese one.

Before writing this book, the author has done lots of primary research, and he try to summary all the findings and success factor of major Japanese enterprise, like Toyota, NTT. And all these companies now become the Global 100 companies. After reading this book, you will learn more about the success story of these enterprises, and you will also know that their history and culture as well.

But, there is some limitation, because the book has been written nearly twenty years before, the business environment is totally changed, the competition and the consumer behaviour have been changed, therefore some of the strategies are not applicable. Also, the failures of some Japanese enterprises during the economic recession also prove that some strategies mentioned here are not worked.

Kaizen is a good book for you to understand more about the Asia culture especially the Japanese firm culture. If you want to do business with Japanese partner, this book is a must to read.

Historical.......2003-03-03

Most American businesses no longer worry so much about the Japanese miracle. International focus has moved from Japan to China and back to Europe. Many Japanese companies are now looking to the US for recapitalization and management assistance.

So why is a book on Japanese management techniques still so relevant?

First of all, continuous improvement and lean manufacturing have become universal management tools, not strictly limited to one country. This book presents as good an introduction to the subject as any. With today's focus on execution, this topic are becoming even more current. (Dare I say topical?)

Additionally, understanding continuous improvement is still important in the context of broader corporate change. What are the strength and limitations of incremental changes versus more radical corporate moves? Read the book and learn more.

This book certainly won't turn a mediocre manager into a great leader, but Kaizen is a useful addition to the toolbox of any manager.

Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Competitive Success (with SAM Spreadsheets CD-ROM)
Average customer rating:

Easy to understand

Concise, practical, interactive

Strategic Planning: A Practical Guide for Competitive Success (with SAM Spreadsheets CD-ROM)
Stanley C. Abraham
Manufacturer: South-Western College Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Strategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Systems & Planning | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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Understanding Leadership (Paperback)

Construction Project Scheduling and Control

Strategy: Core Concepts, Analytical Tools, Readings

Information Technology Strategies: How Leading Firms Use IT to Gain an Advantage

Hardball: Are You Playing to Play or Playing to Win

ASIN: 0324232551

Book Description

First analyze, then strategize. STRATEGIC PLANNING: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR COMPETITIVE SUCCESS and its accompanying spreadsheets CD-ROM gives you all the information on the formulation phase of the strategic management process in single-service firms. Then you'll test your ideas and "work the numbers" to see if you're on the right track. Because it's both practical and easy-to-use, this is the business strategy textbook that not only prepares you for your next job, it's also a big help during test time as well.

Customer Reviews:

Easy to understand.......2007-03-14

I actually took a class with this prof. and used this book in his class. Abraham's book is compact and provides all the technical information in an easy to read format. SAM! was a very easy to use tool also.

Concise, practical, interactive.......2005-10-23

Abraham does a solid job of presenting all the areas you need to think about when forming a global strategy. With the exception of chapter 3, I think the book is concise and to the point. I got bored in chapter 3 reading about all the various strategic planning models. They all seemed to run together after a while. And since the purpose of the rest of the book is to focus on his own model at the exclusion of the rest, I didn't see the point.

He presents a lot of good points to think about. There are many practical questions for you to answer regarding your own industry and company. It gives you many important things to consider when coming up with a strategy for your business.

I like the Excel template he has created. This electronic workbook walks you through the steps of defining your business in the context of your competitors in the industry. Then, it takes you to the next level of identifying alternative strategies and deciding on recommendations.

This book teaches you a lot and helps you get a lot done. It is probably more practical than reading any textbook.

Smart Services: Competitive Information Strategies, Solutions, and Success Stories for Service Businesses

Average customer rating:

An excellent survey of business models and changes

Smart Services: Competitive Information Strategies, Solutions, and Success Stories for Service Businesses
Deborah C. Sawyer
Manufacturer: Cyberage Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Focusing specifically on the competitive information needs of service-oriented firms, this book illuminates the many forms of competition in service businesses, identifies the most effective information resources for competitive intelligence, and provides a practical framework for identifying and studying competitors in order to gain competitive advantage. Explained are unique challenges and techniques for tackling traditional competitors, uncovering hidden and left-field competition, discovering and tracking competitor strategies, looking for financial intelligence, and looking for intelligence about people.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent survey of business models and changes.......2002-04-10

Smart Services gathers competitive information strategies, solutions and success stories for service businesses, revealing the many forms of competition in service businesses and covering everything from customer origin and government competition to locating intelligence about people. An excellent survey of business models and changes.

The Art of the Advantage (Not available in US): 36 Strategies to Seize the Competitive Edge

Average customer rating:

WHere was this published? Yellow uneven Pages!!!!
Good book
The Advantage
Easy to read, easy to get, easy to put into practice
Business Strategists - =Must read book

The Art of the Advantage (Not available in US): 36 Strategies to Seize the Competitive Edge
Kaihan Krippendorf
Manufacturer: Texere
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Strategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Professional Development | Education | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Reference | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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The Thirty-six Strategies Of Ancient China
More Than 36 Stratagems: A Systematic Classification Based On Basic Behaviours
One Hundred Unorthodox Strategies: Battle and Tactics of Chinese Warfare
The Wiles Of War: 36 Military Strategies from Ancient China
The 36 Stratagems for Business : Achieve Your Objectives Through Hidden and Unconventional Strategies and Tactics

ASIN: 1587991780

Book Description

Art of the Advantage brings to life the centuries-old thirty-six Chinese stratagems and explains how they can be applied to corporate or personal strategy. Author Kaihan Krippendorf shows how in using Chinese philosophy, companies can create unfamiliar, cutting-edge corporate strategies that are often unfamiliar to Western companies allowing them to take their western competitors unaware and make them more competitive. Throughout the book, Krippendorf uses ten case studies from the world's top business schools to illustrate his points.

Customer Reviews:

WHere was this published? Yellow uneven Pages!!!!.......2007-02-18

OK I havent read it yet, and it will take some effort to do so. The pages are yellowed, they are cut uneven(A first for me to witness!!)
I have ordered 3 books on chinese issues, and 2 have been scams. OK, there's a lesson there somewhere - buyer beware, especially concerning chinese items!!!
Their economic strategy revolves around/ begins with CHEAP MATERIALS!
BUYER BEWARE!

Good book.......2006-04-23

Good book. The format of this book is similar to the "48 laws of power", except not as elaborate, and its examples not as detailed. I agree with other reviewers that some of the examples are a stretch. However, this is still a good and easy-to-read book on getting familiar with the chinese 36 strategies.

The Advantage.......2006-03-15

This is one of a number of books in English which discuss the 36 Strategems. This group of techniques derive from ancient military experience but can be applied to levels of human interaction including disputes,conflicts, court cases, business development and competition, and general interpersonal relations. While Sun Tzu did not compile these, he often has the most cogent rendering of a technique in his Art of War. This book applies the strategems to business - marketing, competition, etc. That is its strength. One annoying weakness is that the 36 Strategies are not presented in their customary order. This makes this book less easy to interface with other books on the strategems. Still, its a useful book, bringing business world knowledge into contact with this remarkable assembly strategies.

Easy to read, easy to get, easy to put into practice.......2006-02-10

Our company is often in uncharted territory and we have a brand-new business model; this means that we often make decisions on "gut instinct". Kaihan shows us that some of these "new ideas" are actually rooted in the most ancient ones. This collection of wisdom analyzed in a modern context by Kaihan gives us a great validation for what we thought had been random decisions in some cases, and a roadmap for laying down processes and strategies which fit our company size and style. This book helps the Davids beat the Goliaths in the business world. Goliaths can also benefit :-) We are requiring this book for all those who work at Globond and to our Globonders (clients).

Business Strategists - =Must read book.......2005-02-06

While most business-related Art of War books focused more on the theoritical aspects, this excellent book uniquely modelled each of the 36 strategems, followed by lucid visualisation and explanation. The case studies from Fortune 500 companies (about 60 companies such as Microsoft, Coke, Disney, Intel, Home Depot, Wal-Mart and more)are MOST useful in the illustration of applications of each strategem.

Appendix A on "Using the 36 Strategems as Brainstorming Tools" is a hidden gem, useful for those of us involved in the teaching of business strategies.

Appendix B on "List of Cases" is a good compliation of many other case studies in brief - each short case comes with (a) Strategy No. (b) Company and (c) Adversary/Description. [...]

One suggestion for Kaihan and team is to create a website for the books and cases. Very well done, Kaihan! I look forward to reviewing your future publications.

Achieving Success In Sales: Simple Sales Strategies Designed to Help You Maintain the Competitive Edge

Average customer rating:

Achieving Success In Sales: Simple Sales Strategies Designed to Help You Maintain the Competitive Edge
TJ Hoisington
Manufacturer: Hoisington Leadership International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Investing | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Product Description

In this short and concise format are the fundamentals to selling, influence, and effective communication. TJ draws from his experience of building two sales teams, in two different industries, which both produced millions of dollars in sales. TJ draws from both his own experiences of selling, the experiences of those he employed as well as his broad research of the successful sales principles. He takes you through understanding the psychology of selling, body language, tones of voice, dealing with objections, fear, personality types to building the value of your product and services and many more… His tips will not only make you a high performer and add to your income, but will also teach you ideas and principles that will, most importantly, add to the quality of your life.

The Performance Edge: New Strategies to Maximize Your Work Effectiveness and Competitive Advantage

Average customer rating:

An excellent self management bk that stands the test of time

The Performance Edge: New Strategies to Maximize Your Work Effectiveness and Competitive Advantage
Robert K. Cooper
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin (T)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Health & Stress | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

An excellent self management bk that stands the test of time.......2003-11-25

Although this 1991 book is relatively old, I find the content of it practical and logical. Outstanding from many books in the market of empty slogans, hallow jargons and weak propositions, the author discussed in simple but intelligent words, (and always in Q&A, key point formats that help readers to grasp and remember), how to perform outstandingly in the workplace by adopting an integrated approach through personal improvement in time, stress, health and relationship management. Well backed by his M.D. expertise, he explained well in our daily language the important connection between our physical and mental conditions, and had smoothly put forward means of positively influencing our mental conditions through physiological activities, like actively controlling what you eat and how you sit and sleep.

In short, this is a highly valuable book that any person that strives for better career and life performance shouldnt miss.

The Action Selling Sales Training Book Series (Action Selling Book Series)
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The Action Selling Sales Training Book Series (Action Selling Book Series)
Duane Sparks
Manufacturer: The Sales Board
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Insurance | Automotive | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 097535695X

Product Description

The Action Selling Sales Training and Selling Skills Book Series includes: - Action Selling: How to sell like a professional, even if you think you are one. -Selling Your Price: How to escape the race to the bargain basement - Questions: The Answer to Sales - Masters of Loyalty: How to turn your sales force into a loyalty force The Action Selling Book Series will dramatically improve the sales behavior of your sales force. Action Selling: Are your salespeople "Winging It" during calls? With Action Selling, they`ll learn the Five Critical Sales Skills that really matter and how to follow a proven process that has helped over 300,000 become top selling producers. Selling Your Price: Do your salespeople rely on old habits, manipulative tricks or price concessions to close the sale? With Selling Your Price, salespeople learn how to sell value and protect margins while winning more business. Questions: The Answer to Sales: Do your salespeople depend on the gift of gab to win sales? With Questions, they`ll know how and when to ask the best-questions that lead to gaining commitment. Masters of Loyalty: Do your salespeople sell loyalty? With Masters, they`ll learn how to create real loyalty; loyalty that makes customers stop shopping and be forever deaf to competitor`s appeals.

Certification vs. set-asides: alternate strategies for government sales success.: An article from: Set-Aside Alert

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Certification vs. set-asides: alternate strategies for government sales success.: An article from: Set-Aside Alert
Thomas D. Johnson
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Set-Aside Alert, published by Thomson Gale on June 29, 2007. The length of the article is 793 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Certification vs. set-asides: alternate strategies for government sales success.
Author: Thomas D. Johnson
Publication: Set-Aside Alert (Newsletter)
Date: June 29, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 15 Issue: 13 Page: 3(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Competitive Excellence - Critical Success Factors

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Competitive Excellence - Critical Success Factors
A.K. Jain
Manufacturer: Sangam Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Strategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 8125907939

Competitive Strategy: Planning Your Organization's Success (Fifty-Minute Series,)

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Competitive Strategy: Planning Your Organization's Success (Fifty-Minute Series,)
Sarah M. Layton , Alfred B. Hurd , and Wiliam G. Lipsey
Manufacturer: Crisp Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Strategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Systems & Planning | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Entrepreneurship | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1560523506

Book Description

Generate insights and creativity and produce a rewarding, competitive business strategy.

Book Description

Makes Japanese sources accessible in English
Although much of the work on Japanese economic history is inaccessible to Westerners, many of Japan's leading economic historians have published widely in English. Combined with the work of Western economists who can utilize Japanese-language sources, this series assembles a wide range of English-language articles on the key issues in Japanese economic development. Individual volumes cover the interwar period, postwar reconstruction and growth, the textile industry, demographics, agriculture, trade, and the rise of commerce and "protoindustry" in the Tokugawa era.

An information-packed classroom and research resource
An introductory essay in each volume discusses the significance of the articles, compares various economic development in Japan with those in other countries, and puts studies in the context of similar studies in Europe. A versatile research resource, this 7-volume set is a veritable gold mine of hard-to-find information and data from diverse sources and a godsend to everyone interested in comparative economic and social history. Professors will appreciate the collection because it gives them instant access to less familiar English-language sources and is an easy way to introduce students to doing their own research. Students will appreciate the many articles as a mother lode of information for reports and papers. Researchers will be pleased by the coverage of more than three centuries of Japanese history and life.

Living standards measurement study: Abstracts of working papers 1-59
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Living standards measurement study: Abstracts of working papers 1-59

Manufacturer: World Bank
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Macroeconomics | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0821312774

Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 13, No 1)
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Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 13, No 1)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9996315010

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Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 13, No 2)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9996315029

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Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 13, No 3)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9996315037

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Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 13, No 4)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9996315045

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Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 14, No 1)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9996149560

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Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 14, No 2)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9996149609

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Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 14, No 3)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 999614965X

Average customer rating:
Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 14, No 3)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9996149633

Average customer rating:
Abstracts of Working Papers in Economics (Vol 14, No 4)

Manufacturer: Cambridge Univ Pr/Journal Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9996149684

Book Description

The articles selected for this reader address marketing theory and application in a wide range of industries. In addition, they reveal how several firms interpret and utilize marketing principles in their daily operations and corporate planning.

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Annual Editions: Marketing 02/03
John Richardson John E. Richardson
Manufacturer: Dushkin/McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OGXCAA

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