4000 Words in total. Toyota Case study. 6 Questions inkl. Soures.
Innovation Management
1. What are the driving forces for the innovation strategy at Toyota over time? Can you identify changes in the strategy between the different phases of the company's development? Please explain the differences and things in common.
2. Toyota is reported to refuse any acquisition of a rival car company because of the benefits from its proprietary Toyota Production System. Given the various problems reported in the Case Study, do you agree with this point of view? Why or why not?
3. Please explain the role of a "dominant design" in the innovation strategy pattern. Do you think that Toyota was successful with its offer to license its Hybrid-Vehicle technology to other car manufacturers? Why or why not?
4. Do you think the Green Car Strategy stands for a fundamental change in Toyota's innovation strategy? Which aspects of the Green Car Strategy support this view, which aspects don't?
5. What is assumed to be the key success factor for Toyotas market entry as a manufacturer of electric cars? If you consider the overall strengths and weaknesses, what could be the risks and opportunities of this strategy?
6. The case describes how Toyota remains ambitious to keep its global market leadership after its 2010 problems. Do you believe the company will really be able to do this? Why?