Construction Executive Lessons from the Toyota Visit :: Reforming Project Management Great post on the Reforming Project Management blog, notes on a TMMK visit, 23 good points and notes about the Toyota Production System. Here is one that mirrors what…
In the first-ever Lean Blog Podcast, Mark Graban talks with Norm Bodek about quick and easy Kaizen and how it differs from large, event-based improvement efforts. Bodek explains how simple, employee-led improvements–supported by trust, experimentation, and respect for people–can make…
WSJ.com – Kerkorian Motors Interesting quote in today’s WSJ regarding Kirk Kerkorian and the proposed GM/Nissan/Renault deal: He and Mr. York, his 67-year-old sidekick, have decided — it is clear from their actions, from Mr. York’s public statements and from…
05/11/06 – The Detroit News Record annual profits for Toyota. That seems to happen every year now. Profits = Cash = Investment = More Profits. It’s a nice cycle to be in. But the cash-rich Japanese rival is stepping up…
Bloomberg.com: News & Commentary Check out the link on the right hand side for the interview with Jim Womack (requires Real Player software). Here are some highlights, I’m paraphrasing the best I can. On GM not catching up to Toyota:…
USATODAY.com – Get your Bladder Buddy here, on Cowell’s ‘Inventor’ So it’s a bit of a corny reality show with the required melodrama, but I liked some aspects of ABC’s new show “American Inventor.” If you fast forward through the…
01/22/06 – The Detroit News Don’t worry, these skilled tradesmen will go into the famous JOBS Bank and receive almost full pay for doing nothing (something I’ve written about a lot on this blog). It *IS* necessary for Chrysler to…
Bob Nardelli is Watching Update Jan 4 2007 — I really had it wrong on Nardelli, see the latest news and post. They don’t call it a “gemba walk”, but in the new Fast Company magazine, there is a profile…
Toyota Quickens Quest to Unseat GM As a friend in Detroit pointed out, it’s interesting that Toyota is allowing Fuji/Subaru to build Toyota vehicles in Indiana, might be the first time Toyota is allowing others to build their cars. I’m…
A friend gave me a copy of a book he recommended: Creating A Lean Culture: Tools To Sustain Lean Conversions by David Mann. Based on a first look, I am very impressed with the book. It focuses on creating a…
Toyota plant retains fastest engine making title I started my career at a GM V-8 engine plant in the mid 90’s. “Hours per Engine” was the primary metric… at least pre-lean (or really pre-“synchronous manufacturing”, as lean was a dirty…
Toyota-GM factory faces possible strike: It will be interesting to see if Toyota would ever walk away from NUMMI, even as (or because) they are building more plants of their own throughout North America.“The plant has a strong track record…