Japanese Study Mission

Go to Gemba!
October 15-24, 2010

"You can read about it, but there's such a powerful difference when you can experience it." - Norman Bodek

Why this trip? Each year there are several great lean study missions to Japan, but NONE like this! How is this one different?
1	Norman Bodek First, the trip is being led by Norman Bodek, who single-handedly introduced lean to the West. Bodek has traveled to Japan 74 times and made personal friendships with the Toyota legends Shingo Shigeo and Taichi Ohno. Bodek's insights during sessions, group discussions, and tours will provide an unparalleled look through the eyes of a lean master.
2	Lean Accounting This trip is not a "nice to do," it is a "MUST DO" for finance and accounting executives who are seen as leaders of the lean business model. This trip is designed specifically with a focus on lean accounting principles and practices. Both operations and accounting executive's who are interested in aligning their respective silos in a coordinated lean business model are invited. Get the most impact by sending representatives from both operations and accounting to receive the benefits of collaborative goal-setting.
3	Mr. Yasuhiro Monden The trip will include a session with Mr. Yasuhiro Monden, one of the world's leading authorities on the Toyota Production System and its relationship to managerial accounting. He is author of books on such topics as Target Costing, Kaizen Costing, Cost Management, and Japanese Management Accounting. He literally "wrote the book" on lean accounting concepts. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet someone of Mr. Monden's renown!
4	Mr. Masatomo Tanaka Mr. Masatomo Tanaka will share with the group his story as a Toyota manager engaged in Kaizen activities under Mr. Taiichi Ohno. He has also developed the "J Cost" theory, which is an evaluation measure of the effect of TPS. Mr. Tanaka was head of Kaizen department of all Toyota Motor Corporation and also head of Toyota logistics department. Today he is professor of the Institute of Technologists teaching others his deep TPS (Toyota Production System) knowledge.
5	Mr. Nakamura Mr. Nakamura is one of Norman Bodek's many discoveries. Be one of the first in the world to learn how to develop a "technology strategy map." Like the early days of lean in North America, the companies that adopt these new breakthrough discoveries will be well-positioned for growth and competitive advantage.

Study Mission participants will receive complimentary
autographed copy of Bodek's How to Do Kaizen.