Through original field studies, historical research, and statistical analyses, this book shows how the Toyota Motor Corporation built - and continues to build - distinctive capabilities in production, product development, and supplier management as part of a total system. Fujimoto reinterprets the resource-capability view of the firm and uses an evolutionary perspective to show how an effective total manufacturing system creates sustainable competitive advantages. Scholars and students of strategy, operations, and technology management, as well as practitioners in the automobile industry, will find the Evolution of a Manufacturing System at Toyota insightful and informative.