Lifelong learning in Japan

Abstract

Based on the book Japan′s Winning Margin – Management, Training and Education , co‐authored with Professor Takashi Kenjo and published by Oxford University Press in April 1994, argues that learning should be lifelong and worldwide. In particular, there are lessons from Japan, whose industrial successes have been largely a result of their very well developed systems of learning. Finds Japan′s key strengths are in its very effective education system, the approach to training and in the role of managers. Describes an Anglo‐Japanese comparative research project carried out by the author, concludes that the lessons of use for all are in structured competence development, personal development plans (including new software versions developed by the author), the management of knowledge and in clarity of vision.