Hiroshi Takeda and Trevor Boyns
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…
Abstract
Purpose
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.
Design/methodology/approach
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.
Findings
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
Originality/value
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.
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Hiroshi Osada and Masahiko Yamazaki
Objective evaluation is necessary for the company to know the level of its TQM activity and to improve it. This article proposes self‐evaluation model for TQM activity through…
Abstract
Objective evaluation is necessary for the company to know the level of its TQM activity and to improve it. This article proposes self‐evaluation model for TQM activity through comparison study of the examination viewpoints for the Deming Prize with criteria of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. Proposed self‐valuation model consists of three evaluation categories i.e. management system, management performance and survey/audit system. Evaluation on these categories is done for process and performance by using scoring method. This self‐evaluation model is useful for checking the progress of TQM and make company recognize the strength and weakness of its TQM activity, namely, positioning analysis.
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James D. Goodnow and Rustan Kosenko
Discusses the cultural and distribution problems facing Westernfirms wishing to penetrate the Japanese domestic market. Suggests anumber of strategies to circumvent these…
Abstract
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.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of tacit knowledge in incremental innovation, which has hitherto been neglected.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of tacit knowledge in incremental innovation, which has hitherto been neglected.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative case analysis was used to focus on two large Japanese pharmaceutical companies’ development of new antihypertensive drugs. The study uses interview data and documentary research materials to explore the knowledge bases of the companies’ research teams as they refined an existing drug to produce new products – a process of incremental innovation.
Findings
Explicit knowledge (chemical structure of preceding drug) was used in both successful and failed cases of drug discovery. In the two successful cases, the tacit knowledge of key researchers, based on their long-term experience of related research, provided insight into developing compounds with good in vivo efficacy, which led to successful clinical development.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that tacit knowledge may play an important role in incremental innovation processes, and that its influence on product development should be considered in such ways as team and organization structure.
Originality/value
This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding the impact of tacit knowledge on incremental innovation processes. It is often assumed that incremental innovation is based on existing technology. This study suggests that tacit knowledge may play a hitherto largely unrecognized role in incremental product development.
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Balázs Vaszkun and William M. Tsutsui
The purpose of this paper is to trace the origins of “Japanese management” and explain how it was institutionalized. This historical overview aims to help readers to better…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to trace the origins of “Japanese management” and explain how it was institutionalized. This historical overview aims to help readers to better understand and evaluate recent events and reforms.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews the major literature of management history in Japan and conceptualizes these works into a framework of four main paradigms characterizing the production systems, behavioural elements, organizational structures and strategy of large Japanese companies.
Findings
Japanese management thought evolved in a developing nation and primarily in the manufacturing sector. The scientific management paradigm was dominant from the start of modern industry in Japan and its endurance is explained by its profound embeddedness in the Japanese business system. The need for change (e.g. in strategy) is identified, but as Japan has proved reluctant in the past to shift away from the efficiency concept, effecting reforms may remain difficult in the future as well.
Research limitations/implications
The paper challenges readers to consider the future of longstanding Japanese management practices in an economy that is undergoing rapid change and is increasingly moving toward service and knowledge‐intensive industries.
Practical implications
The paper highlights the need to follow closely the current reforms and management trends in Japan, as they may lead to a decisive redesign of the traditional system more‐or‐less preserved since the Second World War. Following its logic on strategy, firms may reinforce their reorientation from pure cost‐leadership goals.
Originality/value
This paper deals with management history in Japan as the emergence of four basic paradigms, where the fourth is newly identified here. The paper will be helpful to academics who study management history as well as current management practices in Japan. Practitioners will benefit by understanding the roots and applicability of methods being currently used.
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Anabel Renteria, Luisa F. Garcia, Jorge A. Diaz, Luis C. Delfin, Jaime E. Regis, Elizabeth I. Reza, David Espalin, Tzu-Liang Bill Tseng and Yirong Lin
The purpose of this study is to evaluate different 3D structures for humidity sensing that will enable the fabrication of complex geometries with high moisture sensitivity.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate different 3D structures for humidity sensing that will enable the fabrication of complex geometries with high moisture sensitivity.
Design/methodology/approach
Humidity sensors based on alumina ceramics were fabricated using direct ink write (DIW) technique. Different engineered surface area, polymer binder ratio and post-processing treatment were considered to increase moisture sensitivity.
Findings
It was found that the binder ratio plays an important role in controlling the rheology of the paste during printing and determining the pore size after post-processing treatment. The sensibility of the fabricated humidity sensor was investigated by measuring its capacitance response toward relative humidity (RH) varying from 40% to 90% RH at 25°C. It is shown that using 3D lattice design, printed alumina humidity sensor could improve sensitivity up to 31.6 pF/RH%, over an order of magnitude higher than solid alumina.
Originality/value
Most of the alumina humidity sensors available are films in nature because of manufacturing difficulties, which limited its potential of higher sensitivity, and thus broader applications. In this paper, a novel 3D alumina humidity sensor was fabricated using DIW 3D printing technology.