A global knowledge transfer network: the case of Toyota's global production support system

In this paper, we discuss global knowledge transfer networks by examining Toyota's global production support system. We focus on three parts of Toyota's system: the mother plant, the operations management consulting division (OMCD) (seisan chosa shitsu), and the global production centre (GPC). The mother plant supports the production of foreign plants. The OMCD has a role in maintaining, diffusing, and providing education about the Toyota Production System (TPS), at both foreign and domestic sites. The GPC develops tools for training both foreign and domestic human resources. This paper argues that these systems work as a knowledge transfer network. We indicate that multiple organisational units can cooperate for effective knowledge transfer.