Some argue that Japanese companies excel in operations management. For example, Toyota Motor Corporation developed a system that allows for the production of high-quality products with minimal inventory and an almost-zero defect rate. This system is known as the Toyota Production System (TPS). Additionally, Shinjuku Station in Tokyo handles 3.5 million passengers daily, the highest number in the world. During rush hour, trains arrive and depart every three minutes with minimal delays. 
Is there such a thing as "Japanese" operations management? If so, what defines its essence?
This course invites you to rethink operations management from a Japanese perspective, focusing on the unique approaches of Japanese companies.
The course emphasizes learning through discussions with executives from leading Japanese companies. Potential guest speakers include:
- An executive from Toyota Motor Corporation.
- A CEO who doubled market share by reducing lead times from three months to three days.
- The CEO of a supermarket chain with sales per square meter three times higher than the industry average.
Note: No prior knowledge of operations management is required.

Course Date & Time

Mondays and Thursdays, 18:15-20:15 p.m. (JST/Tokyo); Final session will be on Monday, July 13 for four hours from 18:15-22:15 p.m. (JST/Tokyo); No class on Thursday, July 9