Management Newsletter "Shiten"

Roland Berger maintains leading-edge know-how in manufacturing, distribution, service and telecom through numerous projects for clients in these industries, its implementation of five- to ten-year trend studies and joint research with academic institutions.

This newsletter introduces a selection of pieces on timely topics based on our own research as well as on experience and knowledge gained from actual consulting work.

(available only in Japanese).

For inquiries:

Roland Berger "Shiten" back number list (Excel, 33 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 78, “Global Human Resource Strategies Leading to Triumph in the Multi-Polar Era”

With this study, the focus is placed on the caliber of global human resource strategies needed to survive and further prosper in the expanding age of multi-polarization.

(PDF, 734 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 77, “Discussion Points in Building Strategies for the Global Water Business Market”

In the eighth installation of our Renewable Energy Business Review, we examine the strategy building efforts of Japanese companies in the global water business, mixing in overseas examples as references.

　 (PDF, 1048 KB)

"Shiten" No.76 "The Keys for Japanese Companies to Succeed on the Expanding Wind Power Generation Market"

This study focuses on the issue of how Japanese companies can enhance their presence on the wind power generation market – a sector attracting keen attention as a source of renewable energy. (PDF, 734 KB)

"Shiten" No.75 "Examination of Retail Banking in Japan"

In this report, we probe the approaches to retail banking in Japan, while also presenting overseas examples as references. (PDF, 1048 KB)

"Shiten" No.74 "Social Media Marketing for Major Corporations"

This study discusses means of mobilizing social media, an increasingly hot topic in today’s IT-driven world, to advance more effective business endeavors. (PDF, 694 KB)

"Shiten" No.73 "Utilizing the Davos World Economic Forum as a Training Ground for Global Business Leaders"

In this report, we examine the significance, value and direction of participation in the Davos World Economic Forum – the renowned annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland – by top managers of Japanese companies aspiring for greater globalization. (PDF, 965 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 72, "The Sudden Rise in Smart Cities and Japanese Company Advance Strategies ~ Renewable Energy Business Review – Part 6"

In the sixth installation of our Renewable Energy Business Review, we set out to define the smart city, examine the types of development projected to occur in those areas and ponder how Japanese companies should approach this new growth area. (PDF, 791 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 71, "Group Management Restructuring in the Era of Globalization"

In this study, we examine the trend toward restructuring in the global group management of Japanese companies, zeroing in on best practice models and existing examples. (PDF, 791 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 70, “Foreign Players in the Chinese Life Insurance Market”

In this study, we observe how Japanese and other foreign-owned life insurers should be cultivating their business advances in China today.　 (PDF, 760 KB)

In the fifth installation of our Renewable Energy Business Review, we examine “green energy” as a highly promising avenue for Japanese companies to forge vital new strategic opportunities for growth.
　 (PDF, 851 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 69 “Green Energy Strategies as Vital New Growth Opportunities for Japanese Companies ~ Renewable Energy Business Review – Part 5”

”Shiten”　No. 68,“Executive’s Intelligence Office (EIO) – An Agent for Corporate Leaders”

This report is the Roland Berger consulting “Executive Intelligence Office (EIO)” is a service. (PDF, 819 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 67,“Impact of the Rise of Eco-Business on the Machine Tool Industry ~ Renewable Energy Business Review – Part 4”

In the past, the Japanese domestic machine tools industry enjoyed a privileged and largely guaranteed status within the pyramid of the automobile industry. More recently, however, against the major groundswell of realignment triggered by the rise of eco-business, even the machine tools sector is now maneuvering to climb aboard this dynamic shift in a means that effectively endorses the changing scenario. (PDF, 992 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 66, "Tracking Developments at the Undercurrent of Today’s Energy Industry ~ Renewable Energy Business Review – Part 3"

Equating the Structural Upheaval in the Energy Industry to the IT Revolution ~ An Examination from the Value Chain of “Processing,” “Accumulation” and “Distribution.” (PDF, 395 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 65,"Competitive Strategies for a Multipolar Era ~ How Should Japan’s Companies Address the Multipolarization of Markets?"

The Question of How Japanese Companies Need to Catch the Multipolarizing Global Market Wave. (PDF, 342 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 64, “Addressing the Smart Grid Revolution ~ Renewable Energy Business Review – Part 2”

This report, zeroing in on the subject of smart grid technology, presents the second installment in our Renewable Energy Business Review. (PDF, 413 KB)

”Shiten”　No. 63, “The Wisdom Within Companies – Engines of Global Benchmarking”

Prepared by one of our in-house operation teams, this paper explores the timely topic of internal benchmarking. (PDF, 344 KB)

"Shiten" No. 62 “The Key to Success in Private Brand Development ~ Through the Eyes of Retailers and Manufacturers.”

This study proposes concrete approaches in forging a sound balance between private brands (PB) and national brands (NB), viewed from the perspectives of both retailers and manufacturers. (PDF, 781 KB)

"Shiten" No. 61 “Strategic Directions for Sustained Growth in the European Solar Cell Industry ~ Renewable Energy Business Review – Part 1”

This report presents and develops an argument meant to sound an alarm to a world obsessed with the renewable energy boom. (PDF, 793 KB)

"Shiten" No. 60 “The Correct Course for Regional Banks from Here on ~ Learning from the Examples at German Savings Banks.”

Placing the spotlight on regional banks, we mobilize this study to come to the assistance of banks in that genre now struggling under harsh business environments, devising solutions that retrace the roots to the true fundamentals of “business structure.” (PDF, 361 KB)

"Shiten" No. 59 “Total Corporate Management for Steering M&A Strategies to Genuine Success.”

In this report, we explore and summarize the secrets for ensuring that corporate merger and acquisition strategies pave the way to genuine business success, drawing from our own experiences and knowledge to shed light on this vital subject. (PDF, 347 KB)

"Shiten" Vol.58 Restructuring Organizational Competence through Business Streamlining.

This study summarizes efforts to bolster the competence of organizations through the efficiency-based management policy defined as “business streamlining".not available in English (PDF, 351 KB)

"Shiten" Vol.57 Potential to Surmount Adverse Environments: Learning from Examples of "Solidarity" at Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

In this report, we explore the potential for approaches designed to reach beyond the realm of individual companies in moving to strengthen essential business foundations.not available in English (PDF, 393 KB)

"Shiten" Vol.56 Generating Reform and Revival in Leading Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises, With Visualization as the Starting Line

This article focuses its spotlight on the innovative achievements of mainstay small- and medium-sized enterprises.not available in English (PDF, 928 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 55 IT Cost Reduction with Results ~ IT Asset Restructuring.

In this report, we profile the general methodology for radical IT cost cutting, accompanied by clarification of the failure and success factors that come to bear in such strategies.not available in English (PDF, 366 KB)

"Shiten" Vol.54 Learning from Excellent European Companies (Part 5): H&M: Generating High Growth and Earnings with Energetic Global Development

This study explores the keys to success for H&M, a company richly extolled as the reigning champion of the apparel industry.not available in English (PDF, 928 KB)

"Shiten” vol.53 Added Value Through Innovation – Realizing Competitive Power in Japan

This study tackles its imposing theme from the dual perspectives of national competitiveness and corporate competitiveness.not available in English (PDF, 872 KB)

"Shiten” vol.52 Business Process Reengineering at Financial Institution Branches and Business Offices

In this report, we compile an impressive list of suggestions exploring how to restore the competitive edge to financial institutions.not available in English (PDF, 726 KB)

"Shiten” vol.51 Strengthening Gemba-power from the Arena of Distribution Reform

Assertion of the argument that when corporate structure is realigned by distribution reform, autonomous problem-solving skills are nurtured at the gemba frontlines.not available in English (PDF, 985 KB)

"Shiten” vol.50 Gearing up for Public Institution Reform

Discussion of the distinctive difficulties in reforming public institutions, entities that differ from private companies in shouldering the burdens of a public mission.not available in English (PDF, 527 KB)

"Shiten” vol.49 Heightened “Brand Regeneration Power”

An examination of brand theory from the perspective of “regeneration,” mixing in specific examples.not available in English (PDF, 360 KB)

"Shiten” vol.48 Heartbeat of the Affluent ~ Class Analysis Guided Marketing to the Rich

Profile of key points in marketing to the wealthy – a particularly keen topic of late.not availble in English (PDF, 180 KB)

"Shiten” vol. 47 CIO U.S.-Japan comparison: Toward more strategic IT

Discussions on the steps essential for advancing a greater dimension of strategic IT.not available in English (PDF, 718 KB)

"Shiten” vol. 46 The “Fitness Program” at corporate reform frontlines

Discussions of the workplace “Fitness Program” (100-day program) advanced by Strategy Consultants to achieve successful corporate reform.not available in English (PDF, 799 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 45 Global Corporate Success Seen in Inditex (ZARA)

Issue No. 45 reports on Spanish retailer “ZARA,” in discussing the definition of a true global company.not available in English (PDF, 1771 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 44 Management Dashboard Challenge

"Shiten"Vol. 44 Management Dashboard Challengenot available in English (PDF, 912 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 43 Learning from Europe’s Excellent Companies Part 3:CR

Introduction of the inner workings of European companies – notably, the broader interpretation and practice of CR (corporate responsibility) compared to their Japanese counterparts.not available in English (PDF, 352 KB)

"Shiten"Vol.42 Innovation & Management after the Lost Decade

A straightforward discussion of “Management of Technology,” recounting the evolution and themes of Japanese evolution, debating how to deal with the emerging issues.not available in English (PDF, 336 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 41 Learning from Europe’s Excellent Companies Part 2:M&A

Mobilizing "The Magnanimity of Diversity" and "Long-Term Horizons," distinctive perspectives of European management, to explore examples of European corporate M&A and discuss the Japanese approach to M&A.not available in English (PDF, 350 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 40 "Visualization" to Bolster Marketing Expertise

Profiling the essence of enhanced marketing, drawn from a rich array of consulting successes.not available in English (PDF, 352 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 39 Learning process management from Emerson

Examining the case of Emerson as a company that has succeeded on the strength of process management, then coordinating our learning from that initial base.not available in English (PDF, 1518 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 38 Contributing to society through business endeavor

Discussing the concept of social contribution from the business model perspective.not available in English (PDF, 1596 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 37 Key points of hotel/inn "brand regeneration"

Within the approaches used to rejuvenate the hotel and inn business in recent years, we discuss the pivotal theme of "brand regeneration."not available in English (PDF, 362 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 36 Learning from Excellent Companies of Europe - Part 1: Brand Management

"Brand management" from "long-term perspective" and "openness to diversity" seen in European management methods (vs. shareholder priority seen in U.S.-style management).not available in English (PDF, 938 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 35 Moving frontline restructuring a step forward

In recent years, many companies, especially manufacturers, have begun to restructure their frontlines. This issue describes the points necessary to push frontline restructuring ahead and discusses the role that corporate managers need to play.not available in English (PDF, 355 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 34 Developing the Chinese market: Stage Two

This issue discusses full-scale entry into the Chinese market, which has by far the strongest appeal of all BRIC markets.
Although we covered this topic in 2003, the Chinese market environment has undergone huge changes in the intervening time. Here we review these changes and discuss hints for creating future strategies.not available in English (PDF, 352 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 33 Rethinking Sourcing Reform

In this issue, we revisit approaches for reforming sourcing, which provides a basis for stable corporate growth. The discussion includes how to establish mechanisms and the right mindset to ensure continuous but simple reform activity.not available in English (PDF, 360 KB)

"Shiten"Vol. 32 Uncertainty Management in Today's Business Environment: A Strategic Approach that Leverages Scenario Planning

Here we discuss the issue of how corporations should manage the uncertainty surrounding them and introduces a strategic approach that leverages scenario planning.not available in English (PDF, 369 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 31 Do Non-Full-time Workers Really Increase Competiveness? Improved Performance is Only Temporary

This issue focuses on employment format, separating it into full-time and non-full time. The article discusses methods of securing and cultivating personnel who possess the necessary capabilities and leveraging personnel who bring competitive strength and imagination to the company.not available in English (PDF, 350 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 30 Rethinking the Retail Financing Business for New Entry

As the economy recovers, the financial world today is paying renewed attention to the allure of retail financing. This issue discusses the synergy between retail financing and non-financial businesses.not available in English (PDF, 357 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 29 Strategic Delisting

This issue revisits the meaning of listing. In the pursuit of true corporate value improvement, we use concrete examples to rethink the meaning of listing and also examine the option of delisting.not available in English (PDF, 444 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 28 Pitfalls in Corporate Revitalization: Some Pointers from Our Survey on Revitalization

Based on the results of our revitalization survey in Japan coupled with those from the same survey in Germany and Roland Berger experience, this issue discusses the pursuit of true corporate value improvement.not available in English (PDF, 434 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 27 People Development Aiming at an Innovation Company: Learning from "Innovate America"

In this issue, we discuss operations at the frontline from the viewpoint of innovation and people development, and include case examples.not available in English (PDF, 395 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 26 Danger and Opportunity: the Challenge of the Chinese Market as a Supply Base

Based on our project experience, we discuss the important relationship of Japanese manufacturers with China as both a market and a supplier base, focusing on how to handle sourcing from that country.not available in English (PDF, 419 KB)

Shiten Vol. 25 "Brand Identity for Further Growth"

Brand identity is equivalent to a company's individuality. Indeed, a company with a vague brand identity has no hope for sustained growth. In this volume, we consider methods for building and propagating a company's brand identity.not available in English (PDF, 346 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 24 The Brand Management Cycle Fundamental to Brand Structure: A Framework and Methodology

While brand building requires a unified long-term approach, brands are also at the mercy of consumers and changes in corporate performance. In this issue, we define a value image for consumer internalization of a brand and discuss a framework and methods for more practical brand management.not available in Enlish (PDF, 387 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 23 The Chinese Consumer: An Automobile Market Example

This issue uses the automobile market to discuss Chinese consumers who have their own unique values and are part of an immense market where regional differences are huge.not available in English (PDF, 334 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 22 Japanese Corporations Have the Opportunity to Enter the Russian Market — But First They Must Know the Rules of the Game

In this issue, we focus on Russia, which has boasted a high economic growth rate in the last several years, and summarize ways to court this attractive yet high-risk market.not available in English (PDF, 334 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 21 Should you meet expectations or exceed them?

In this issue, we consider the issue of marketing that captivates customers. We use case examples to demonstrate the shortcomings of heretofore tried and true marketing and present a new approach.not available in English (PDF, 335 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 20 Giving Shape to Ideas: From the Frontline of Corporate Restructuring

This issue summarizes hints for restructuring that we have gleaned from the frontlines of countless corporate revival projects.not available in English (PDF, 332 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 19 Creating a Self-Transforming Organization

An organization is an amazing mechanism able to accomplish what individuals cannot achieve on their own. However, once its structure is in place, it to fall into fixed habits. Returning to the essential question of "what is an organization?" this issue considers what an organization must do in order to move beyond these habits.not available in English (PDF, 363 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 18 What is the Conceptual Ability of Management?

Is the conceptual ability of the Japanese really weak by nature? The answer is no. The reason for their weakness in this area is the lack of mechanisms to encourage and develop conceptual ability in Japanese society and corporations. In this issue, we consider how to cultivate the conceptual ability of Japanese corporations as a whole and as individuals.not available in English (PDF, 338 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 17 Maximizing Empowerment and Customer Interface in Brand Management

Roland Berger sees brand management as a balance between protecting brand value and encouraging its further evolution. In this issue, we summarize our view that the active involvement of top management is critical to successful brand management.not available in English (PDF, 444 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 16 A Perspective on Strengthening 'Organizational Ability' in Marketing

Although marketing is a critical function that can give corporations competitive advantage beyond their national borders, Japanese companies have traditionally paid only perfunctory attention to improving it as an organizational capability. In this issue, we examine why a gap has grown between Japanese and western (particularly US) corporations in terms of marketing organizational capability. We then consider the kind of structure that Japanese corporations should aim for in order to raise their capability in this area, using top internationally players as examples.not available in English (PDF, 386 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 15 Increasing Business Opportunities in the EU and Central and Eastern Europe

Following the entrance of 12 Central and Eastern European countries into the EU, the European market is expected to grow significantly. Although Central and Eastern European countries represent an unfamiliar market for Japanese corporations today, they also represent a big business opportunity. In this issue, we provide an in-depth review useful for those considering investing in these countries.not available in English (PDF, 431 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 14 Issues Related to Chinese Market Development

With China's entry into the WTO, the significance of China for Japanese businesses operating there is taking a dramatic turn. What used to be a "base for the re-export business" is becoming a "consumer market ripe for development." In this issue, we consider trends in the Chinese market and discuss issues that Japanese corporations operating there should begin to tackle.not available in English (PDF, 326 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 13 MOT for the Reemergence of Industrial Strength

Liberalization (deregulation) has been a frequently used and important keyword regarding Japan's economic revitalization. In this issue, we organize the meanings of "liberalization," "structural reform" and "privatization," all of which are often used as synonyms, into a framework.not available in English (PDF, 386 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 12 A Competitive Strategy for Liberalization

Japanese corporations, particularly those in the manufacturing and communication service industry, are focusing on the importance of management of technology for ensuring that V-shaped recovery is both mid-to long-term and robust. In this issue, we consider the fusion of three integrated intelligences — technology, markets and business — with regard not only to R&D, but also company-wide strategy and functions.not available in English (PDF, 403 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 11 The Effective Use of Buyout Funds and Their Impact on Corporate Management

In this issue, we focus on buyout funds which have the potential to be significant players in corporate revitalization. We also consider their essence, application value and impact on corporate management.not available in English (PDF, 1530 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 10 Group Management Effectiveness in Question

This issue focuses on the ideal for group management, a topic that is attracting increasing interest. We believe that the pursuit of reinforced competitive strength and value improvement as a group, rather than simply as a parent company and subsidiaries, will soon be an issue for every corporation.not available in English (PDF, 373 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 9 The Ideal 21st Century Neo-Japan R&D Model

This issue discusses Japan's competitive strength in R&D, which has been declining in recent years. Despite advances on the systemic side, Japan still lags behind Europe and the US. The revitalization of the R&D function in Japanese companies is an essential theme in establishing mid- to-long-term competitive superiority.not available in English (PDF, 2804 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 8 Brand Management that Creates Differentiation

This issue focuses on brands which should be recognized as an important competitive strength in this age of maturization and diversification.not available in English (PDF, 583 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 7 The Essence of Restructuring: Questioning Choices and Speed (Number 4)

In this final article, we discuss the last step in corporate restructuring: The "Implementation Phase." We also sum up Roland Berger's thoughts on the necessary conditions for successfully completing roll out, the most difficult challenge in restructuring.not available in English (PDF, 194 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 6 The Essence of Restructuring: Questioning Choices and Speed (Number 3)

In Part Three of this series, we discuss the second step in corporate restructuring: the "Design Phase"not available in English (PDF, 177 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 5 The Essence of Restructuring: Questioning Choices and Speed (Number 2)

Part two of this series covers the first step in corporate restructuring: The "First Aid Phase"not available in English (PDF, 111 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 4 The Essence of Restructuring: Questioning Choices and Speed (Number 1)

The next several issues form a four-part series, "The Essence of Restructuring: Questioning Choices and Speed," which focuses on corporate restructuring for which there is an ever-growing need. Part One of the series discusses the necessity and implications of corporate restructuring.not available in English (PDF, 117 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 3 A Strategy for Leveraging the Revived B2B e-Marketplace

In this issue we focus on the B2B e-marketplace, which has become increasingly active in the Net business environment. We also report on movements in the European telecom industry, as observed by our European consultants.not available in English (PDF, 96 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 2 Realizing Corporate Change with an "e": e-Transformation

In this issue, we discuss the question of how to leverage "e" as a banner for change and make continuous corporate reform a reality. We also sum up the issues to be tackled and the points that will be key to successful transformation.not available in English (PDF, 92 KB)

"Shiten" Vol. 1 Requirements for Successful Joint Ventures Between Companies in Different Industries

In recent years, newspapers headlines have frequently featured joint ventures between companies in different industries. In this issue, we discuss the managerial challenge, which is important for many Japanese corporations, and summarize what we believe to be issues and key points for success.not available in English (PDF, 104 KB)