Title: Impact of information systems on Japanese small and medium sized manufacturers

Authors: Hiroki Ishikura, Fumio Yamamoto

Addresses: Faculty of Corporate Intelligence, Osaka Gakuin University, 2-36-1 Kishibe-Minami, Suita, Osaka, 654-8511, Japan. Shiga Prefectural Federation of Small Business Association, 4 Kyoumachi Otsu, 520-0044, Japan

Abstract: The management condition of Japan|s small and medium sized manufacturers is very critical at present. A major factor of this serious condition is the collapse of Japanese management systems, which have improved the state of small and medium sized manufacturers. It appears that small and medium sized manufacturers should try to rectify the existing systems and have to consider globalising the market economy with the help of improved management policies and information networks. At this moment, however, making routes into the global open markets in Japan is difficult. In this article, the present conditions of Japanese small and medium manufacturers are described and solutions are suggested to overcome the problems. Greater attention is diverted towards the application of information highways in the development of these industries.

Keywords: information systems; Japanese management system; Japanese small and medium sized manufacturers; SMEs; Buddhism; Confucianism; Protestant ethics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2001.001416

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2001 Vol.3 No.4/5, pp.356-360

Published online: 02 Jul 2003 *

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