Training, a la Japan - If you could get training in Japan, what would it be?

[David Mullins]

I have to go to Japan for "training" for 2 weeks, in a range of topics of my choosing.
I have to come up with the topic list, and asked a colleague what he'd recommend, to which he replied "drink beer and study Japanese women".
Whilst that would make for a colourful trip, it probably wouldn't look that good on my travel itinerary. So if y'all had the chance to go to the home of the rebirth of quality (Japan), what would you want to be "trained" in?

[Claes Gefvenberg]

David, you lucky sod... I'm green with envy.

Ok... What would I want if I got the opportunity? Let's see: I have been a believer in the Kaizen concept since I first heard about it. I'd like to see it in action where it originated.

/Claes

[Atul Khandekar]

In addition to Kaizen, I'd be interested in 'QFD'.

All the best , David!

[Sam]

In addition to the above I would be interested in knowing how they can produce a quality product without the aid of ISO9K2K and/or ISO/TS 16949:2002.
How they can put processes together without spending meaning wasted hours discussing "interactions".

Here is more on Japan and a certain warmth towards ISO 9000 --- from an impeccable source: ISO 9000 and Japan

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In an article for the ISO 9000 News (Nov./Dec. 1996), Chikafumi Morita, member or the Board of Directors of Japan Quality Assurance Organization, traced growth of ISO 9000 adoption in Japan from 1991 to 1995. By this time 1600 Japanese companies were certified. He wrote "the initial motive compelling Japanese companies to implement the standard was the need to increase their business in Europe".

Then he goes on "nevertheless, more and more companies began to obtain ISO 9000 certificates as word spread from those already certified that it actually strengthened their quality control systems. In fact, the International Standards have also been adopted by companies not participating in overseas markets". He adds "They now see ISO 9000 as a means of achieving domestic goals such as improving their quality systems and upgrading product quality".

In referring to the Japanese experience of companies opening operations overseas, he states "given the importance of quality control systems in determining the success or failure of such companies, those Japanese factories that rely on conventions and informal procedures, instead of a standardized quality control system, tend to suffer from quality problems". He adds, "it is likely that when the ISO 9000 series standards have become a part of the fundamentals of quality control here in Japan, such companies will have no trouble transferring their quality systems to overseas locations".

Under the subtitle of "Japanese-style TQC AND ISO 9000", he writes "during the rebuilding period, we developed and implemented various QC methods known as the "Seven Tools for Quality Control", the "Experimental Design Methods", and so on. These methods enjoyed spectacular success-and none more so than total Quality Control (TQC). This "Internal" approach enables each company to perform quality control in its own way, although customers often have little idea what sort of QC techniques are being used, nor how they operate. In short, QC can be defined as a tool for the benefit of the company, and not necessarily the customer".

He concludes this portion of his article by saying "in contrast, ISO 9000 permits objective assessments of a company's quality system based on International Standards. As such, ISO 9000 can be seen as a tool for the benefit of a company's customers. Yet the two systems, TQC and ISO 9000, complement each other, and a company can establish a powerful quality system by combining the two".

I have picked pieces of the article, but anyone interested in more information on this subject can contact Mr. Chikafumi Morita at Japan Quality Assurance Organization(JQA), Akasaka Twin Tower 4F, 17-22-2-chome, Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tokio 107, Japan. Tel. + 81 3 35 84 91 23. Fax + 81 3 32 24 90 02.
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[Mike S.]

Some good ideas so far. While it might not be available as a "training" class, I'd like to compare and contrast the Japanese worker's life to that in the US, UK, Aussie-land, etc. Stuff like how many hours they work, pay and benefits, education required, company training, employee satisfaction, quality of life, etc. etc.

[Sam]

Jim,
Interesting statistics.
I wander, if they are so involved why is it we haven't heard any commments or suggestions as to the meaning of the types of questions we seem to have here at the cove?
Any thoughts?

Jim Wade said:

PS David: consider adding Hoshin Kanri to your list.

david: consider adding the following to your list:

Bulbasaur, Metapod, Nidoran, Psyduck, Mankey, Voltorb, Hitmonlee, Kangaskhan, Goldeen, Staryu, Mewtwo, Pinsir, Ryhdon, Machoke, Nidoking, Blastoise, Venasaur are just a very small percentage of famous names from Japan that have had such an amazing influence on young Americans aspiring for a taste of the good life.

When you are relaxing in that Geisha House after a hard day’s studies, float these names around and watch the looks of amazement and the extra body oil you will receive. Have a nice trip. I too, am envious.