Publications
Publications
- August 2001 (Revised March 2003)
- HBS Case Collection
Comments on the Second Toyota Paradox: With appendix on modularity for managing complex-systems design
Abstract
Two groups of people start out with the same task, equipped with the same resources and the same initial conditions. One, however, consistently beats the other. What are the differences between what the two groups are doing, and what can we adopt from the better performer to make our own efforts more successful? According to some, Toyota's designers consistently create automobile designs that are easier to manufacture, in less total time, and at lower cost in engineering hours. They also claim that Toyota's design advantage is rooted in specific tools and processes that are superior to its competitors'. This note asserts that Toyota's so-called specific tools and processes create general product and process characteristics that explain its design advantage and describes these characteristics.
Keywords
Citation
Spear, Steven J. "Comments on the Second Toyota Paradox: With appendix on modularity for managing complex-systems design." Harvard Business School Background Note 602-035, August 2001. (Revised March 2003.)