Michael R. Czinkota - The Japan Times

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Michael R. Czinkota

For Michael R. Czinkota's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:

COMMENTARY / World

Feb 4, 2006

New auto jobs, not quotas

WASHINGTON -- U.S. automakers are in dire straits. While non-U.S. brands are gaining market share, both GM and Ford have announced major plant closings and substantial layoffs. For some, these announcements have raised the specter of a return to the policies of the 1980s, when the United States imposed "voluntary" export restraints on Japanese importers. But new conditions faced by today's producers, consumers, markets and politicians should prevent us from re-using tools that were not even successful a generation ago.

COMMENTARY / World

Jan 9, 2006

Keys to greater prosperity

WASHINGTON -- As we begin a new year, we look for guideposts to help governments and business improve economic performance. In a world of global competition, the platform provided to firms and individuals is crucial to growth and prosperity. From observations comparing countries that do well with those that are falling behind, here are some suggestions:

COMMENTARY / World

Nov 28, 2005

We can pay now or pay later

WASHINGTON -- International terrorists attack businesses far more than any other target, and when they strike, they aim to disrupt the flow of supply and demand and to destroy our way of life.

COMMENTARY / World

Sep 1, 2005

Where is the German vision?

WASHINGTON -- When German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder precipitated early elections in Germany, the decision to seek electoral guidance appeared appealing. Since then, the choices on Sept. 18 have been remarkable mainly for their paucity and obscurity. Unless the parties and their candidates are able to crystallize their options more, Germany will have been deprived of the opportunity to do better.

COMMENTARY / World

May 25, 2005

Too soon to let computers replace university libraries

at Houston has announced that it is removing almost all the books from its undergraduate library to provide space for a digital learning center, where students can use computers to access a wide variety of information. University officials are proud to be leading a trend. It is good to see academia catching up with technology. But what are the repercussions of this shift? I am thinking about this from various perspectives: Teacher, researcher, author and reader.

COMMENTARY / World

Apr 23, 2005

Academic freedom for all

WASHINGTON -- Academic freedom is close to the hearts of many. Being able to teach what "needs" to be taught, to speak out and to pursue thoughts to wherever they may lead are some of the most crucial components of academia. In light of this accepted axiom it is surprising to learn about opposition to the free exercise of higher education around the world.

COMMENTARY / World

Jan 6, 2005

Finding succor in tragedy

WASHINGTON -- It is said that even the darkest cloud has a silver lining. So what positives could possibly be connected with the sorrowful destruction from Sumatra's tsunami? The catastrophe has shown us several things:

COMMENTARY / World

Nov 6, 2004

Surely U.S. set to reconcile

WASHINGTON -- After a campaign that stressed the importance of continuity, some might expect few changes in policies during the second term of President George W. Bush. But the outcome of this bitterly fought election has clarified many issues in the United States and will send a signal far beyond America.

COMMENTARY / World

Aug 16, 2004

Sun rapidly setting on German paradise

WASHINGTON -- My summertime in Germany with family and friends gave me the warmth and many pleasures of the visitor. On the level of the economy, unfortunately, my visit provided me with the pains of the outside spectator who sees things unfold with the distinct impression that the prognosis is not good.

COMMENTARY / World

Jun 12, 2004

Conviction, vision led Reagan to greatness

WASHINGTON -- A great man has died, moving a piece of the present into history. It is a history that many of us have been part of and that shapes our future.

COMMENTARY / World

Apr 4, 2004

Chance to pick up and move

WASHINGTON -- On May 1, the European Union will grow by 10 new members, mostly from Eastern Europe. In public, the optimism is great as is the gloating at overtaking the United States in population, gross domestic product and currency strength. In private conversations, however, there is great fear of a migration flood.

COMMENTARY / World

Jan 5, 2004

Falling dollar barely changes trade flow

WASHINGTON -- We hear about record breaking declines in the value of the dollar, rising U.S. trade deficits and a retrenchment of inward investment flows. Cassandra-like voices point to the war-caused budget deficit, foresee a growing U.S. dependence on the mercy of foreigners and predict the imminent collapse of the global economy.

COMMENTARY / World

Oct 13, 2003

Teaching people how to manage change

WASHINGTON -- Ours is a world in transition. The current global debate centers on the state of knowledge that led to the Iraq war. Neglected is the much more important discussion of the knowledge needed to bringing peace and prosperity to the world. The education sector can play a major role in teaching how to implement change around the globe.

COMMENTARY / World

Feb 16, 2003

Bush agenda will boost world economy

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President George W. Bush's new economic agenda is entitled "Taking Action to Strengthen America's Economy," but it is more than that. While some critics claim to have discerned a very narrow focus, the dividend component in particular will have far-reaching implications for the global economy.

COMMENTARY / World

Oct 12, 2002

Success of globalization rests on good business reputations

These are not good times for business ethics in the industrialized nations. In spite of a carefully honed reputation for professionalism and honesty, businesses in the United States, Japan and Europe have seen scandals and problems. In the U.S. it has been the overstatement of profits by and exorbitant remuneration of chief executives. In Japan the concern has been with misidentification of products and payoffs. In Europe the issue has been bribery and understatement of profits. These developments place the acceptance of economic globalization at risk.

COMMENTARY / World

May 16, 2002

Travel advisories for the next generation

WASHINGTON -- How does America's global role affect the lives of individuals? Currently, momentous international policy decisions are being taken; they encompass war, peace, freedom and the projection of power. It is important to step back and develop a vision of the long-term outcome of those policies for individuals. Perhaps the history of St. Paul can provide us with some direction.

COMMENTARY / World

Mar 18, 2002

Free trade carries a price

WASHINGTON -- U.S. President George W. Bush's decision to impose tariffs on steel imports into the United States has been decried as a politically motivated and economically ruinous move that marks the end of free trade and initiates a battle in the World Trade Organization.

COMMENTARY / World

Jan 15, 2002

Effects of Sept. 11 on marketing policy

WASHINGTON -- The terror of Sept. 11 is a key fissure in American lives. At Georgetown's McDonough School of Business, we investigated the repercussions of the terror on international marketing policy and corporate practices. We found a new era of common sense characterized by five key dimensions.

COMMENTARY / World

Mar 4, 2000

A new dawn for marketing in Japan

and MASAAKI KOTABE The Japanese market holds much promise for U.S. firms as new forms of doing business evolve. Mail-order and nonstore retailing are becoming part of the daily consumer landscape. Likely to be even more prominent is the ability to conduct business in "market space" rather than the traditional "marketplace." Global e-commerce offers alternatives that bypass many traditional entry barriers into Japan. According to a recent international study on Japanese distribution strategy published by the American Marketing Association, U.S. firms are better positioned to take advantage of such opportunities than Japanese members of the distribution system because Japanese industry is lagging in its implementation of information technology.

COMMENTARY / World

May 31, 1999

Trade must extend to poorer countries

Prosperous countries in the North, such as the United States, can no longer rely on trade between developed countries led by Fortune 500 corporations alone. Trade must increase in developing countries and transitional economies if all are to benefit from a growing world economy. Policymakers and businesses of all sizes must realize the strategic importance of the developing countries of the South, not just from the traditional sociopolitical perspective, but from the perspective of fostering an integrated global economic framework. It is in everyone's best interest to respond to global trends in ways that will foster growth in all countries, including the least developed ones.

From easily navigable train stations to the helpfulness of its municipal staff, Tokyo has earned high praise for its commitment to accessibility for disabled travelers.

[Rebroadcast] Japan is doing better on accessibility than you may think

Later this month, author Shogo Imamura will open Honmaru, a bookstore that allows other businesses to rent its shelves. It's part of a wave of ideas Japanese booksellers are trying to compete with online spaces.

The story isn't over for Japan's bookstores

By Alex K.T. Martin

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