Subject category:
Strategy and General Management
Published by:
Asia Case Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong
Version: 19 September 2019
Length: 12 pages
Data source: Published sources
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https://casecent.re/p/169706
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Abstract
Many companies study the management strategies of others, adapting and learning from the experiences of large multinationals. But global corporations also need strategies that are capable of adapting to changing markets and profitability. Is it possible for these corporations to develop new and powerful insights from smaller firms? The Toyota Motor Corporation's philosophy and business strategy, known as the 'The Toyota Way' is globally recognized as an industry leader, and its managerial values and business methods are regarded as benchmark practices, guiding the processes and strategies of organizations worldwide, eg, Toyota's Kanban method, of inventory control which facilitates just-in-time manufacturing, is seen as the optimal approach to inventory control. Founded in Japan in 1937, the company grew rapidly. But a series of issues, resulting in a drop in vehicle sales and profitability left Toyota's president, Akio Toyoda, considering how the company could find a more sustainable way of growing and how to incorporate this new philosophy into its existing business model. Toyoda is now a strong advocate for an alternative philosophy known as the 'Nenrin or tree ring' strategy. He credits a small company, Ina Food, which makes agar, a traditional ingredient in Japanese food, as the source of Toyota's ongoing success. Finding inspiration in Ina Food's 55 years of sustainable growth and profit, Toyoda now follows many of its key initiatives. The corporate giant has become one of the largest corporations globally, while still promoting the virtues of slow and steady growth on an ongoing basis.
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Abstract
Many companies study the management strategies of others, adapting and learning from the experiences of large multinationals. But global corporations also need strategies that are capable of adapting to changing markets and profitability. Is it possible for these corporations to develop new and powerful insights from smaller firms? The Toyota Motor Corporation's philosophy and business strategy, known as the 'The Toyota Way' is globally recognized as an industry leader, and its managerial values and business methods are regarded as benchmark practices, guiding the processes and strategies of organizations worldwide, eg, Toyota's Kanban method, of inventory control which facilitates just-in-time manufacturing, is seen as the optimal approach to inventory control. Founded in Japan in 1937, the company grew rapidly. But a series of issues, resulting in a drop in vehicle sales and profitability left Toyota's president, Akio Toyoda, considering how the company could find a more sustainable way of growing and how to incorporate this new philosophy into its existing business model. Toyoda is now a strong advocate for an alternative philosophy known as the 'Nenrin or tree ring' strategy. He credits a small company, Ina Food, which makes agar, a traditional ingredient in Japanese food, as the source of Toyota's ongoing success. Finding inspiration in Ina Food's 55 years of sustainable growth and profit, Toyoda now follows many of its key initiatives. The corporate giant has become one of the largest corporations globally, while still promoting the virtues of slow and steady growth on an ongoing basis.