Can Japan Compete? is a major new development of Michael Porter's theory of competitive positioning, in which he examines the 'two Japans' - one highly competitive and one highly uncompetitive. Porter draws upon previously unseen research to set the record straight on what did and did not happen during the 'Japanese Miracle'. This book represents a major contribution to the understanding of Japan and a major new strategic analysis from the world's leading thinker on strategy.
Michael E. Porter is the leading authority on competitive strategy, the competitiveness and economic development of nations, states, and regions, and the application of competitive principles to social problems such as health care, the environment, and corporate responsibility.
Professor Porter is generally recognized as the "Father of Strategy", as has been identified in a variety of rankings and surveys as the world’s most influential thinker on management and competitiveness. He has ranked #1 on "Thinkers 50".
He is the Bishop William Lawrence University Professor, based at Harvard Business School. A University full-professorship is the highest professional recognition that can be awarded to a Harvard faculty member.
In 2001, Harvard Business School and Harvard University jointly created the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness, dedicated to furthering Porter’s work.
Professor Porter is the author of 17 books and over 125 articles. He is the founder of elite strategy consulting firm, the Monitor Group.
He received a B.S.E. with high honors in aerospace and mechanical engineering from Princeton University in 1969, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi. He received an M.B.A. with high distinction in 1971 from the Harvard Business School, where he was a George F. Baker Scholar, and a Ph.D. in Business Economics from Harvard University in 1973.
One of the more readable academic books I've read - probably due to its concise 190 pages! Subject-wise, this is a novel take on Japan's recent economic malaise, and the conclusion - portions of Japanese industry need to compete on strategy and innovation, not on operational efficiency - is probably not that ground-breaking at this point but well argued.
Best thing about the book is useful case studies from both successful and unsuccessful industries - will be of help to budding consultants and those working at more traditional Japanese companies. Book was published in 2010 but surprisingly still quite relevant to today's situation. Critique of monetary policy and endless construction-heavy stimulus spending offers some skepticism to the current Abenomics program.
Fell in love with Japanese idea of Kaizen - incremental improvement and this book was the answer to why Kaizen alone could not bring Jp to the next great transformation. Creative innovation in both products and business strategy will be required.