The new series kicks off with discussions on production methods and the state of our schools.
These days the car industry seems to be a tale of two fortunes. On one hand there’s big trouble – think Detroit’s Big 3 and, closer to home, Rover. On the other there’s the rising success of the Japanese giants – foremost among them Toyota.
Today we look at the concept that’s been credited as driving Toyota’s success: lean production. It’s the idea that everything arrives at the assembly plant just in time – there are no huge stockpiles, no waiting around and no wasted materials. We also ask whether it’s a concept that could be extended to other industries.
Also on this week’s programme, we’ll be discussing education. It’s a common gripe among managers that schools are churning out legions of young people who just aren’t good enough for the business world. But is there any truth to this argument, and if so, what can be done about it?
Our panellists from three very diverse industries let us know exactly what they’re looking for in the educational background of their new recruits.
Philip Kogan,
Founder of publishing company, Kogan Page
Namita Panjabi,
Co-owner of Indian restaurant group, Masala World
About the programme
The Bottom Line cuts through the confusion of modern life to find out what's really important to consumers and businesses: the gimmicks, the people, the products - and the relationships.
