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Part 1: Comparative Perspectives on Capitalism and Institutions
The first part of the course aims to introduce students to major theoretical frameworks in comparative management, with a particular focus on institutional approaches such as the Varieties of Capitalism perspective. Through the examination of different forms of capitalism across countries and regions, students will learn how institutional arrangements—such as labor relations, welfare systems, skill formation, and state–enterprise relations—shape economic organization and firm behavior.
The course will also explore how these frameworks have been extended to analyze emerging economies, post-socialist transitions, and new developments in the global economy, including the rise of the intangible economy. By studying these topics, students will develop the ability to analyze management systems within broader institutional and political-economic contexts.
Part 2: Japanese Management Systems and Kaizen
The second part of the course focuses on Japanese management systems, particularly the Japanese production control system and kaizen (continuous improvement). Students will examine how kaizen practices function within organizations and how employee characteristics, organizational practices, and national contexts influence improvement activities and performance outcomes.
In addition, the course will analyze the challenges organizations face when introducing kaizen and discuss the opportunities and limitations involved in transferring Japanese management practices to different national and organizational contexts. Through these discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how management practices are embedded in specific institutional and cultural environments.
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Par 1
1. Introduction to the First Part: Course structure and overview of comparative management
2. Varieties of Capitalism: General Theme and Diverse Applications
3. Varieties of Institutional Interactions, Labor Politics in Developed Democracies
4. Varieties of the Welfare State and Formation of Skills
5. Capitalism Goes East: Post-Socialist Transition, Mixed Market Economies
6. Beyond Varieties of Capitalism: Emerging Markets and the BRICS
7. Capitalism without Capital: the Rise of Intangible Economy
8. Mid-term Presentations
Part 2
9. Introduction of the second part: Explanation of syllabus, course structure, etc.
10. Japanese production control system
11. Japan Management Systems: Kaizen
12. Difficulty in introducing Kaizen in the organization
13. Relationship between employee characteristics, Kaizen behavior and outcomes
14. Kaizen performance and national characteristics
15. Issues in international transfer of Kaizen
16. Final report
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During the first half of the course, students will be expected to complete reading assignments and prepare summaries before each class. The required readings, including textbook chapters and academic articles, will be distributed in advance. Based on these readings, students will write summaries and, in some sessions, give presentations in the following class. Detailed information regarding the schedule and topics of the readings, summaries, and presentations will be explained in the first class.
During the second half of the course, the class will focus on Japanese management systems, particularly the Japanese production control system and kaizen. Lectures will be combined with class discussions based on assigned readings and case examples. Students will be expected to actively participate in discussions and reflect on how kaizen practices are implemented in different organizational and national contexts. The course will conclude with a final report in which students analyze a topic related to Japanese management systems or the international transfer of kaizen.
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By the end of this course, students are expected to achieve the following learning goals:
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of major theories and frameworks in comparative management.
2. Analyze how institutional, political, and cultural contexts shape different varieties of capitalism and management systems across countries.
3. Explain the characteristics of Japanese management systems, particularly the Japanese production control system and *kaizen*.
4. Critically examine the relationship between employee characteristics, organizational practices, and the outcomes of continuous improvement activities.
5. Evaluate the opportunities and challenges involved in transferring management practices, such as *kaizen*, across national and organizational contexts.
6. Apply theoretical perspectives in comparative management to analyze contemporary management issues in a global context.
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By the end of this course, students are expected to achieve the following minimum learning outcomes:
1. Understand the basic concepts and frameworks of comparative management.
2. Describe key characteristics of different varieties of capitalism and institutional systems.
3. Explain the basic principles of the Japanese production control system and *kaizen*.
4. Identify factors that influence the introduction and performance of *kaizen* in organizations.
5. Recognize the challenges involved in transferring management practices across national contexts.
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Evaluation in the first half of the course will be based on the following:
Presentations: 30%
Attendance and class participation: 30%
Mid-term report: 40%
Evaluation in the second half of the course will be based on the following:
Final report: 40%
Presentations: 30%
Attendance and class participation: 30%
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【成績評価の基準表】
| 秀(S) | 優(A) | 良(B) | 可(C) | 不可(F) |
| 履修目標を越えたレベルを達成している | 履修目標を達成している | 履修目標と到達目標の間にあるレベルを達成している | 到達目標を達成している | 到達目標を達成できていない |
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履修目標：授業で扱う内容（授業のねらい）を示す目標
到達目標：授業において最低限学生が身につける内容を示す目標
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【授業別ルーブリック】
| 評価項目 | 評価基準 |
| 期待している以上である | 十分に満足できる(履修目標) | やや努力を要する | 努力を要する(到達目標) | 相当の努力を要する |
| Class Participation | Actively contributes insightful comments, demonstrates strong engagement with readings, and stimulates discussion. | Regularly participates and shows good understanding of the readings and lecture content. | Participates occasionally but contributions are limited in depth. | Rarely participates and demonstrates only a basic understanding of the materials. | Does not participate or shows little evidence of preparation. |
| Presentation | Presentation is clear, well-structured, and demonstrates strong analytical and critical thinking with effective use of literature. | Presentation is organized and demonstrates a good understanding of the topic and relevant literature. | Presentation shows basic understanding but lacks depth or clarity. | Presentation demonstrates minimal preparation and limited understanding of the topic. | Presentation is unclear, incomplete, or shows little understanding. |
| Written Report | Demonstrates excellent analytical ability, strong theoretical integration, and a clear, well-structured argument. | Demonstrates good understanding of theories and concepts with coherent argumentation. | Shows some understanding but analysis and argumentation are limited. | Demonstrates only basic understanding with limited analysis. | Report is incomplete or fails to demonstrate basic understanding of course concepts. |
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Varieties of Capitalism, Institutional Interactions, Mixed Market Economies, kaizen, knowledge transfer
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