SUCCESS IN TELEVISION - THE JAPANESE WAY

Britain became a net exporter of televisions in 1989 primarily due to the manufacturing output of Japanese companies that have now replaced the home producers. This paper uses the example of this industry to ex plore the differences in approach between manufacturing businesses in the U.K. and Japan, which have led to the decline of one and the growt h of the other. The Japanese experience shows that efficient productio n in Britain is possible, given appropriate strategy, operations and i nvestment. The benefits of employment, exports and positive influences on industry and supplier attitudes need to be balanced against the lo w value added to the product in the U.K. and consequent implications t o long-term competitiveness in high technology businesses. Pointers re levant to other sectors are brought out.