Japan is experiencing the aging of its labor force. Despite the fear that this will have an adverse effect on the economy, studies conducted by management and economists indicate that demographic and retirement system changes are unlikely to lower productivity. (SK)

By fully using their human resources, Japanese factories mass produce goods of low cost and high quality. Participation in Japanese factories occurs in a more hierarchical framework than advocated in the Western model of worker democracy. (JOW)

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are systems that can be programed to alter their procedures to suit varying production requirements. Use of and trends related to these systems in the United States and foreign countries are discussed. A detailed diagram of a hypothetical FMS is provided. (JN)

Describes an approach for measuring industrial technological diversification behavior. Identifies sectoral patterns of Japanese industry as related to diversification behaviors. Delineates the mechanisms and effectiveness of Japanese corporate and government policies relevant to diversification. (ML)

Attempts to provide social studies teachers with a more comprehensive understanding of the Japanese economy than can be gleaned from the popular press. Describes the contributions of competitive strategies, technology, capital availability, and education to Japan's economic success. (AEM)

Presents information on Japanese engineering education and productivity which shows that education in Japan has been an instrument to achieve economic ends. Among areas addressed are development of educational policy, industry role, emphasis on engineering since end of World War II, studying in United States, and adaptive approach to…

Observations on general Japanese culture, business culture, specific business missions and strategies, characteristics of individual workers, and business operations emphasize production processes and policies, organization structure, performance support systems, general management practices, and attention to quality. A table comparing the human…

The U.S. must have the patience and courage to continue to build its research and development infrastructure and to reward innovation in a time of tight federal budgets, pressing international problems, and uncertainty in the private sector about the near-term economic outlook. Trade barriers must be removed also. (MLW)

Discusses factors contributing to the declining U.S. productivity growth rate and compares U.S. production to Germany and Japan. Presents model programs that have recognized the need to develop in people the desire to work, study, improve, and become more productive citizens. (LRA)

The problem of productivity and its impact on manufacturing engineering is the main focus of a program designed to develop a university-industry relationship that will provide professional training to students and input into the manufacturing industry. The current status of existing university-industry interaction at the foreign and domestic…

A study on leadership, conflict management, research and development (R&D) worker motivation, commitment, and risk-taking propensity in universities compared with corporations and government is presented. It arose from the recognition that R&D in any developed country is critical to the continued well-being of its economy and people, and…

American schools might improve their performance by emulating certain successful businesses that, while distinctly American, have much in common with Japanese corporations. William Ouchi attributes Japanese business success to worker involvement; the typical Japanese corporation, he asserts, unifies its employees around a corporate philosophy…