Month June 2005

Beware the China bashers

KRT Wire | 06/21/2005 From the Chicago Tribune, an editorial. “Forcing a rapid upward revaluation of the yuan, as Congress seeks to do, won’t solve America’s trade problem. That can best be addressed by reining in profligate government spending, encouraging…

The Chase of Cheap does Deeper into China

FT.com / Asia-Pacific – Chinese manufacturing hub toughens investor rules: There’s always somebody/someplace “cheaper” isn’t there? “Shortages of power, labour, land and water are raising costs for manufacturers in the area, forcing some low-end factories deeper inland. At the same…

Foreign Makers, Settled in South, Pace Car Industry

New York Times:“Toyota’s impact on the nation’s economy has been powerful. A study by the Center for Automotive Research, which has yet to be published, estimates that Toyota’s investments in the United States had led to 386,600 American jobs as…

Another Maytag Story

Chicago Tribune news : Business: This is a tough spot to be in. Ideally, you’d like to grow your way into increased efficiency — avoid hiring instead of letting people go. But if the choice is to sacrifice some jobs…

Quality in Baggage Handling

As I sat on the plane, waiting to depart, we watched a video that featured the airline CEO (the airline rhymes with Bontinental). The CEO, in his smiling delivery, talked about the “most professional people in the business” and showed…

Non Root Cause Solutions?

Today, I had to drive to return a rental car at Newark Airport and sawan example of what might be “non root cause” thinking in action. As Iapproached the airport on the highway, there were signs for threeseparate airport entrances…

Some Early Toyota History

AICHI VOICE (CUTTING EDGE): Ford and GM started plants in Japan in the 1920’s and many Japanese thought that it was a “fantasy” to think of building their own cars. “‘It’s not just a matter of making automobiles. We must…

A Collection of Deming Articles

As follow up to Deming’s mention in Fortune Magazine, Some Choice Words on Management by Slogan A good real life example of what Deming meant by not managing by slogan. Do slogans and posters really get through to workers? Do…

Global domination, the Toyota way

The Globe and Mail:: This is a pretty good overview, “state of Toyota” article. The article discusses how TPS is about more than just reducing waste and cutting costs. “Everybody” now does just-in-time delivery, but there’s obviously more to TPS…