Faculty

IT Strategy

Takanori Yoneyama

Title: Honorary Counselor, Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.

Course Outline/Objectives

This course covers the area where management strategy and technological strategy combine. We all know that advances in Information Technology have significant potential for businesses the world over. What we will consider together is how this technology can be written into our management strategies. We will look at the main points of product planning and development. We will also focus on the practical applications of quality control, quality strategy and production management - as developed successfully by the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers.

Specifically, we will learn how to formulate a product quality control strategy, how to carry it out and how to ensure quality management in implementing the strategy. At the same time, we will learn how to organize the strategy to prevent quality deterioration. In addition, I will impart the practical know-how on creating and maintaining quality in our offices and factories. For example, the first step in risk management activities is the eradication of human errors. In regards to quality management we will acquire on-the-job knowledge that gives us an excellent starting point for production activities. We will see what has to be done to ensure continuous improvement in our companies.

After learning these skills, students will go on to master how to efficiently assess and manage facilities, cost, processes and inspection management. A case study on reducing cost and increasing productivity will be analyzed. Through the case studies featured on the course, students are expected to acquire practical approaches to technological strategy.