Title: Product development in Japan - the Toryo system

Authors: T. Mizogui, A.J. Harry

Addresses: Scientific Generics Ltd, Kirkwood Road, Cambridge, CB4 2PF, UK. ' Scientific Generics Ltd, Kirkwood Road, Cambridge, CB4 2PF, UK

Abstract: The success of the Japanese at product development is well known. This article discusses the reason for this success and explains how the fundamental infrastructure of Japanese business relates to the history and culture of Japan. At the heart of this infrastructure is the Toryo who as a leader and organizer is responsible for building an industry upon the craftsmanship of the people employed. The Toryo system is responsible for creating a highly competitive environment internally within companies. In the last few years, some of the major Japanese manufacturers have developed their organizations to make them even more internally competitive. Product development groups are having to compete with each other for the opportunity of having their products put into production, and manufacturing groups are having to compete for the opportunity of having their products put onto the market. An internal free market has been created within these companies which can only accelerate the rate of new product development in Japan.

Keywords: competitive environment; Japanese history; Japanese culture; organisational change; organisational evolution; new product development; NPD; research and development; R&D; Toryo system; Japan; manufacturing industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1991.061759

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1991 Vol.12 No.4, pp.371 - 377

Published online: 27 May 2014 *

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