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To prevent malpractices, medical staff has adopted inventory time-outs and/or checklists. Accurate inventory and maintenance of surgical instruments decreases the risk of operating room miscounting and malfunction. In our previous study, an individual management of surgical instruments was accomplished using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a new management method of RFID-tagged instruments.

The management system of RFID-tagged surgical instruments was used for 27 months in clinical areas. In total, 13 study participants assembled surgical trays in the central sterile supply department.

While using the management system, trays were assembled 94 times. During this period, no assembly errors occurred. An instrument malfunction had occurred after the 19th, 56th, and 73th uses, no malfunction caused by the RFID tags, and usage history had been recorded. Additionally, the time it took to assemble surgical trays was recorded, and the long-term usability of the management system was evaluated.

The system could record the number of uses and the defective history of each surgical instrument. In addition, the history of the frequency of instruments being transferred from one tray to another was recorded. The results suggest that our system can be used to manage instruments safely. Additionally, the management system was acquired of the learning effect and the usability on daily maintenance. This finding suggests that the management system examined here ensures surgical instrument and tray assembly quality.

A new system of leasing robots to industry with aid of funds from both small and large banks appears to be attracting little interest from Japanese industry. The system does, however, offer potential for British industry short of funds to invest in new plant and equipment.

The purpose of this paper is to provide an understanding of the “Kyocera approach” to business, i.e. the relationship between the Kyocera philosophy, the amoeba management system (AMS) and the associated management accounting system.

Utilising a variety of secondary sources, including semi-autobiographical works written by Inamori, the architect of AMS, the authors examine in detail the links between the underlying Kyocera philosophy and the management and accounting principles derived therefrom. These sources are used to examine the historical origins of these principles, their influence on both the AMS and the management accounting system, and how these have developed over time.

Both the AMS and the associated management accounting system can be shown to contain a mixture of influences, including traditional Asian/Japanese factors, but also Inamori/Kyocera-specific factors linked to Inamori's underlying philosophical approach to life and specific life experiences encountered by him. This suggests that while the Kyocera approach may be applicable more widely in Japan or Asia, outside of this context, the conflicts between Western and Asian cultures, although not necessarily insurmountable, may provide barriers leading to incomplete applications of the Kyocera approach

This study adds to the understanding of the interrelationship between management philosophy and management accounting practices, and the ability of individuals to determine culture within organisations. It illustrates the importance of historical research in obtaining a detailed understanding of the philosophical, cultural and religious underpinnings of current management and accounting practices.

This paper aims to trace the technological and commercial developments in robotics over the last 50 years, from 1973, the year in which this journal was founded, to the present day.

Following an introduction, this identifies key robot developments on a decade-by-decade basis and considers research, products, applications and corporate activity and also highlights many of the enabling technologies. Brief conclusions are draw.

The robot industry has changed beyond all recognition during the last half century. Enabled by developments in microelectronics, computing, sensors, imaging technologies, data communication and power sources, today robots satisfy a multitude of applications and play a role in almost every sphere of human activity.

This provides a detailed review of robotic developments during the last 50 years.

There are a number of impediments to consumer adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), including regulatory barriers, resources, infrastructure and vehicle characteristics themselves. These impediments also impact on other stakeholders, such as government, producers (i.e. corporations), suppliers (collaborators), competition (i.e. alternative products) and activist groups. The inter‐relationships amongst all stakeholders are complex, as one group may initiate actions that serve as impediments for others. Developing systems‐based sustainable alternatives to traditional, environmentally‐harmful automobiles requires the network of relationships between stakeholders and impediments to be considered. This paper looks at the various impediments as well as how they can affect various stakeholders. It then posits a broad based integrative approach to provide the most favourable environment for consumers to consider AFVs.

Some robot makers look for new applications, while others seek overseas partners, but demand for more of the same robots continues.

Japanese and American marketing executives have different perceptions of Japanese marketing approaches, concepts and strategies. Differences in perceptions of Japanese market protection, superpower status, government assistance, Westernisation, competition, organisation, consumers and decisions are investigated.

Discusses the cultural and distribution problems facing Western firms wishing to penetrate the Japanese domestic market. Suggests a number of strategies to circumvent these barriers. Concludes that in addition to a positive strategy, Western firms need to adjust their negotiation strategies and acquire an understanding of the Japanese concept of human relations in business.