Quality counts: The Toyota blueprint for improvement and growth

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

Getting to the top in any walk of life is some achievement. Business is no exception. But far too many organizations that reach the summit believe that the hard part is over. How mistaken can they be? History is littered with seemingly impregnable companies becoming victim to complacency and arrogance. Indeed, the so‐called big three US car manufacturers provide a perfect example of such a fall from grace. It is difficult to imagine Toyota suffering a similar fate. In the US, for instance, the company is no overnight success story. Instead, it has been half a century of slow, steady progress with each decade end showing an incremental increase in market share. Now, around one in every six cars bought in the States is a Toyota. That is sure a lot of hard work to simply throw away.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2008), "Quality counts: The Toyota blueprint for improvement and growth", Strategic Direction, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 5-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540810860896