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Article
Publication date: 20 April 2010

Yuji Yamamoto and Monica Bellgran

The purpose of the paper is to present a fundamental mindset that an experienced Japanese Toyota Production System (TPS) consultant has when he drives a series of improvement…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present a fundamental mindset that an experienced Japanese Toyota Production System (TPS) consultant has when he drives a series of improvement activities during a lean transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The main author of this paper conducted participant observations on two lean transformation cases at two medium‐sized Swedish manufacturing companies. The studied lean transformations are driven by the mentioned Japanese consultant. Before he became a consultant, he had practiced TPS more than 20 years at a supplier company of Toyota.

Findings

Instead of making a detailed plan to implement lean production, the consultant focuses on creating the need for improvement. The identified fundamental mindset that drives a lean transformation can be described as “occasionally by force, create a situation where people have no choice (or little choice) but to feel the need of improvement. The situation is such that it brings different problems up to surface. Through letting people solve the problems one‐by‐one, the performance of the operation as well as the capability of individual and organizational learning are improved.” Various lean techniques are simply used based on the surfaced problems.

Originality/value

The recent research shows that a contingent nature is required in lean transformation, especially when it requires an organizational cultural change. However, a limited number of researches have shown practical ways of conducting a lean transformation with a contingent approach. The paper identifies a simple but practical way of doing it.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Executive summary
Publication date: 3 November 2016

JAPAN: Minister's gaffes damage trade deal's chances

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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES214720

ISSN: 2633-304X

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Geographic
Topical
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Article
Publication date: 12 November 2024

Lingxiao Ouyang, Hao Wang, Kenta Aoyagi, Yuji Imamiya, Yufan Zhao and Akihiko Chiba

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energydeposited Ti-6Al-4V.

63

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energydeposited Ti-6Al-4V.

Design/methodology/approach

In situ monitoring was conducted to extract and quantify the monitoring characteristics of each frame. A two-dimensional contour map was generated using the quantified characteristics to determine the defect formation locations. Computational thermal-fluid dynamics software was used to determine which surface tension terms or shielding gas had a significant effect on the depression of the molten pool.

Findings

This study has made a significant contribution by revealing the direct correlation between the molten pool size and brightness with defect formation in laser-based DED of Ti-6Al-4V. It was found that in regions of reduced height, the molten pool exhibited increased size and brightness, leading to surface depressions due to vapor recoil pressure flattening the molten pool. Moreover, the results highlighted that the enhanced Marangoni forces, caused by a high-temperature gradient, hindered the proper accumulation of molten metal, exacerbating height reductions. This insight provides a deeper understanding of how molten pool dynamics directly influence surface quality, which is a critical factor in DED processes.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding of the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energy-deposited Ti-6Al-4V. Additionally, by using in situ monitoring and computational analysis, significant insights were gained into the factors influencing molten pool behavior and subsequent surface defects.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 13 September 2011

Takashi Naohara, Hiromichi Aono, Hideyuki Hirazawa, Tsunehiro Maehara, Yuji Watanabe and Shinya Matsutomo

The purpose of this paper is to develop a ferromagnetic needle adaptable for a novel ablation cancer therapy; the heat generation ability of the mild steel rod embedded into the…

166

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a ferromagnetic needle adaptable for a novel ablation cancer therapy; the heat generation ability of the mild steel rod embedded into the Ti‐tube having a different thickness was investigated in a high‐frequency output at 300 kHz.

Design/methodology/approach

The outer diameter and length of the Ti‐tubes were 1.8 and 20 mm, respectively, while the inner diameter was varied from 1.6 to 0 mm. The mild steel rod was embedded in a Ti‐tube for preparing the needle‐type specimen. Their heat generation ability was examined by changing the inclination angle to the magnetic flux direction in a high‐frequency coil.

Findings

When the thickness of the Ti surrounding the mild steel rod was as low as 0.1 mm, the heat generation ability was drastically different among the three inclination angles (θ=0°, 45°, and 90°) to the magnetic flux direction due to the effect of the shape‐induced magnetic anisotropy. However, the effect of the inclination angle was almost eliminated in the specimen surrounded by the 0.4 mm thick Ti, suggesting that the non‐oriented heat generation property is achieved for the needle‐type mild steel rod coated with Ti having the optimum thickness.

Originality/value

The prototype ablation needle having a complete non‐oriented heat generation ability was fabricated to use in subsequent animal experiments. It is considered that the newly designed Ti‐coated device is useful in ablation treatments using a high‐frequency induction heating.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Yuko Ohira

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been robustly endorsed through policy mechanisms, prompting numerous context-specific voluntary initiatives in Japanese schools and…

31

Abstract

Purpose

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been robustly endorsed through policy mechanisms, prompting numerous context-specific voluntary initiatives in Japanese schools and communities. However, this field remains in its infancy. This study aimed to investigate the literature on ESD in Japan to reveal research trends, identify research gaps and propose areas for future research, from early childhood to higher and non-formal education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a qualitative design with a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to analyze 88 peer-reviewed empirical studies on ESD in Japan from 2005 to 2023.

Findings

This study has revealed an observable increase in the number of ESD-related publications, especially after 2015. Most studies emphasize formal education, particularly from elementary school to universities. These articles were categorized into seven thematic foci, with “Pedagogical Approaches and Material Development in ESD” being the most prevalent. There has been an evident shift in Japan from traditional lecture-style methods toward learner-centered ESD pedagogies. However, the country lags behind the global education community in terms of research on and the implementation of Teacher Education for Sustainable Development and the Whole-School Approach.

Research limitations/implications

The study is confined to peer-reviewed, empirical publications in Japanese or English, potentially overlooking significant non-empirical works and studies in other languages. This limitation could mean missing out on broader insights and perspectives. Furthermore, as a qualitative analysis, there's an inherent risk of bias in interpreting data and categorizing themes. These constraints suggest caution in generalizing the findings and indicate areas for further research, such as expanding the linguistic and methodological scope and enhancing objectivity in analysis.

Practical implications

The findings suggest a pressing need for Japan to refine its approach to ESD, particularly in teacher training and school management, aligning more closely with global practices. For practical application, this involves adopting more holistic teacher education programs and school management strategies that integrate ESD principles comprehensively. Recognizing the unique challenges of Japan's educational culture is crucial for developing tailored strategies that not only follow global best practices but also resonate locally. These insights aim to guide meaningful interventions, promoting an education system adept at addressing sustainability challenges.

Originality/value

Categorizing the literature into formal and non-formal settings and subsequently into seven themes offers a clear depiction of the research trends. A comparison of Japan's specific advancements and challenges in ESD with global trends, particularly in pedagogy, teacher education and institutional management, highlights the areas needing further exploration.

Details

International Journal of Comparative Education and Development, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2396-7404

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