Toshiba has a proud tradition of achievement. In 125 years as an integrated manufacturer of electrical and electronic equipment, we have recorded numerous firsts and made many valuable contributions to technology and society. But if we are to emerge successfully from the current struggle for survival, if we are to be recognized as an excellent global corporation in the 21st century, we must acquire the necessary global capabilities. The way to this is innovation that encompasses all our management structures and systems, and to combine that innovation with a change in awareness that sends a clear message to our customers and competitors: "Toshiba has changed."

We provided the basis for this change with the October 1998 launch of the MI 2001 program. Key divisions pioneered its implementation. Their experience and results provided the basis for implementation of the program throughout Japanese operations in April 1999. After that, we brought the analytical power and capabilities to the worldwide Toshiba Group.

After the success of the MI 2001, Toshiba companies moved a step further and launched the MI phase 2. MI phase 2 emphasizes on more change and use MI as the way we works as our culture.

The directions of semiconductor company phase 2 are :

• More focus on the quality of MI Project.
  
  
• Challenge the innovation of management process
  
  
• Reform management to make " quick response " to market change.

We have been awarded "Toshiba President Award" for our effort and achievement in the implementation of MI activities.