The soft side of the Toyata production system is the hard side

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the challenges associate with the rollout of the Toyota Production System (TPS) in a US vinyl extrusion plant. There is a cursory explanation of some of the Technical aspects of TPS, and implementation problems are examined and analyzed in the context of cultural barriers. The thesis contends that the softer, more subtle, leadership principles demonstrated by Toyota management are just as important to Toyota as is the elegance of its production system. Findings include the identification of three key leadership traits that are evident within Toyota, and that are necessary to facilitate the cultural shift to a TPS environment. Those leadership traits are: I) Set Consistent Direction with Fluid Constraints. 2) Create a Culture of Removing Barriers. 3) Develop the Capabilities of People to Improve.