Learning from Japan: Improving Knowledge of Japanese Technology ManagementPractices

摘要

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) has awarded $30 million ingrants to universities to establish programs in Japanese industry and technology management training. The nine universities receiving awards have made strong progress in implementing effective programs, but much more work is needed. The NRC's committee found a need for more rigorous curriculum development, a more realistic approach to language training, and greater coordination of research efforts to emphasize critical issues and technologies and to reduce overlap across the programs. Overall, all the grantees should work more cooperatively to establish a strong academic specialization in Japanese technology management, with a consistent curriculum, comprehensive research that continues to strengthen the curriculum, and effective internships in Japanese corporations. Internships in Japanese plants in America should also be pursued more aggressively. (Copyright (c) National Academy of Sciences 1994.)