Title: Product architecture and integrated manufacturing information system: a comparative study of Japanese and Korean firms

Authors: Young Won Park; Paul Hong; Young Soo Park

Addresses: Waseda Institute for Advanced Study, Waseda University, 1-6-1 Nishi Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan. ' College of Business and Innovation, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft, Toledo, OH 43606, USA. ' Manufacturing Management and Engineering Department, The University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft, Toledo, OH 43606, USA

Abstract: Japanese firms are known for their superior technology and excellent quality performance. However, in spite of outstanding technological competency and quality performance, global competitiveness of Japanese electronic firms has been deteriorating in 2000s. In contrast, Korean counterparts have displayed significant global competitive gains. This article presents research model that defines interrelationships among product integrity, product architecture and IT strategy. This model is examined through case study of Japanese and Korean firms. The research results suggest that Japanese selected firms have solid base of monozukuri system from product concept planning to delivery to customers. However, different from Korean firms, these selected Japanese firms do not appear to utilise full IT potential for integrated manufacturing information system (IMIS). Differences between Japanese and Korean firms are discussed along with implications and lessons of this case study.

Keywords: product architecture; product integrity; ICT strategies; information technology; communications technology; integrated manufacturing information systems; Japan; South Korea; technological competency; quality performance; global competitiveness; electronics industry; competitive gains; interrelationships; monozukuri; manufacturing processes; product concept planning; product delivery; customers; business excellence; SCM; supply chain management; global supply chains; challenges; opportunities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBEX.2012.048799

International Journal of Business Excellence, 2012 Vol.5 No.5, pp.485 - 501

Published online: 31 Jul 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article