Please answer all the assigned questions listed below (or attached). The Word, HTML, or PowerPoint are acceptable formats, but I prefer Powerpoint slides. Approximately 25 Powerpoint slides will be enough to answer the questions. Out of them, you may want to use two or three slides to present the background and/or main issues.
As it is a group project, any one in your group, by design, can submit your group solution, but I recommend the PM of your group do it.Before you submit yours, please make sure that you list only the names of your group members who actually participated the project.
Assignment Questions – Toyota: The Accelerator Crisis
1. What were the drivers of ToyotaÂ’s accelerator crisis? Why was Toyota facing a recall crisis?
2. Michael Porter claims that “operational effectiveness” is not a strategy. Why was operational effectiveness such a focus at Toyota? What are the downsides of “lean manufacturing”?
3. Has Toyota successfully enacted the principles espoused in the Toyota Way? What did they do well, and where is the room for improvement?
4. In pursuing its aggressive global expansion, what tradeoffs Toyota make? How effectively did they manage tension between global standardization and local responsiveness? Did they manage their value chain activities effectively?
5. How well are ToyotaÂ’s management, employees, and external stakeholders to support their corporate brand?
6. Has Toyota effectively managed public relations in the U.S.? Who should be accountable for this activity? How could ToyotaÂ’s crisis management be improved?
7. What should Akio Toyoda do now to restore ToyotaÂ’s reputation and position Toyoda for sustainable competitive advantage?
8. What lessons can other companies take from ToyodaÂ’s crisis?
