The authors report on a mission led by the Teaching Company Directorate in July 1995 to study the operation of small Japanese manufacturing companies. It describes the level of technological and managerial sophistication deployed by such firms and the official support available to them. The effects of current economic circumstances on these firms are discussed, as are the strategies that some are adopting to overcome the problems. Lessons for the UK are assessed, including the possibility of mounting TCS programmes to help British small and medium-sized companies to export to Japan.
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References
1.
Quality and Relevance: The Challenge to European Education — Unlocking Europe's Human Potential, IRDAC, Brussels, 1994; Department of Trade and Industry, Competitiveness: Helping Business to Win, White Paper, Cmd 2503, HMSO, London, 1994.
2.
RobsonE. H., ‘Linking small firms with higher education: TCS initiatives', Industry and Higher Education, Vol 10, No 21996, pp 103–108.
3.
The delegation consisted of JanBennett, Head of Research, TCS Centre for Small Firms, University of Plymouth; Robert Johnson, Managing Director, Craftsman Tools Ltd, James Kinloch, Chairman, Kinloch Group; John Monniot, Deputy Director, TCD; John Richards, Joint Managing Director, Southfields Coachworks Ltd; Rodney Taylor, Managing Director, Seaward Electronics Ltd.
4.
Small and Medium Enterprises in Japan, White Paper, Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Tokyo, 1994.
