A dose of Japanese medicine
Article Abstract:
Great Britain's imports exceeded its exports for the first time in 1984. However, this occurrence does not necessarily foretell the continuing decline and eventual demise of British manufacturing. New technologies with industrial applications and new management techniques borrowed from Japan can help reverse this trend. Two Japanese management concepts are focused upon: "Kanban," which is also known as just-in-time control of work-in-progress, and "Jidoka," or "making the problem apparent." These management techniques place work efficiency responsibilities in the hands of the workers, and therefore require greater commitment and stronger sense of belonging from the workers. Some British manufacturers, such as J.C. Bamford, are fostering such work environments by presenting employees with new managerial practices that employ robots and emphasize quality. The General Motors Saturn project is also citedas an example of the successful transference of Japanese concepts to Western corporations. The Saturn project is a joint venture between U.S. and Japanese interests.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 1987
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R&D expenditures and the analysts' view
Article Abstract:
The bad performance of UK industry in relation to the rest of the industrial world often has been blamed on the low levels of R&D expenditure. Some analysts blame the short-term framework used by the UK financial markets as discouraging R&D investment, while others blame the accounting treatment delineated by Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 13 for leading to low levels of R&D investment. An alternative accounting treatment would be to allow R&D expenditure to be capitalized as an asset, thus leading to higher reported profits. Research into the behavior of financial analysts who examined a full set of financial reports reveals that analysts can see through cosmetic differences in accounting treatments and tend to favor companies with higher levels of R&D expenditure.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 1991
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Safeguarding the company's interests
Article Abstract:
The Securicor Group PLC is best known for its security and armored car services, but parcel delivery services are the group's most profitable business. Securicor Finance Director Christopher Shirtcliffe discusses the economic changes that led Securicor to develop other businesses and to open operations in continental Europe as well as the UK. Shirtcliffe also discusses the cash carrying business, technological innovations in the security business, and Securicor's venture into cellular radio technology.
Publication Name: Accountancy
Subject: Business
ISSN: 0001-4664
Year: 1987
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