ABSTRACT
A system interacts with its environment by means of inputs and outputs. When an input undergoes some form of a change, a system is often characterized using a transformation model. In the Toyota Production System (TPS), ideas for kaizen must be converted into action; otherwise, TPS will die. In TPS, the motor that drives employee participation is the human resource (HR) function. TPS requires a strong HR function for employees to buy in to the idea of workplace improvement. The converter process in TPS can best be described as the way ideas are formatted when entering the organization. In TPS, the supporter process can best be explained by the type of change that is allowed in the system. The best example of the storage function in TPS is the use of procedure-based systems. Procedures act as a way for TPS to maintain its current functions when environmental conditions vary.
