A presentation of the overall flow from the customer request to project implementation and completion
Introduction
Hitachi Research Institute is a comparatively small organization compared to other think tanks. However, serving as a powerful backbone is the Hitachi Group, with its wide range of technological capabilities and profuse knowledge base. The business areas covered by the Hitachi Group range from all types of materials to electrical machinery, electronic products and services, and distribution and finance-related businesses, and the Hitachi Group possesses a global customer base. Utilizing the resources of the Hitachi Group, Hitachi Research Institute is able to offer realistic, practical services in a short time period by making use of technology seeds and specific management know-how. This is something that is difficult for other think tanks to do. We are pursuing exchanges with foreign and domestic research institutions and universities, and we are working daily to provide services with real value to our customers.
Customer Requests
Consultations and Inquiries
Consultation
Inquiries concerning the Hitachi Research Institute's website, forums, lectures, or publications as well as requests for studies or research may be made through the Hitachi Group company with which you do business or directly to Hitachi Research Institute.
Interviews
Interview
Interviews are held at the outset to confirm in detail the outline of the customer's business and the specifics of the customer's request. We present an explanation of the fields and scope of our studies and research, and we inquire concerning the customer's current issues and problems requiring solutions.
Assignment of Project Members
Researchers are assigned whose capabilities and experience made them the best qualified to meet the specific requests.
Analysis of the Issues
Discussing the estimate
A preliminary meeting is held between the customer and project members. Discussion is pursued on the basis of information provided at the interview and publicly available information to clarify the customer's problem issues, the changes needed, and the desired outcome. If necessary, a confidentiality agreement is signed at this stage.
Preparation of Project Plan Documents
A presentation in progress
Based on the results of the preliminary meeting with the customer, we set up a hypothesis to resolve the problems, and we prepare detailed plan documents for pursuing the project. The contents cover a delineation of the problems, goals, points for study and research, study and research methods, schedule outline, project structure, and an estimate of the cost. Project teams consist of three to four persons on average. When necessary, human resources from within the Hitachi Group and collaboration with external partners may also be recommended.
Presentation
We visit the customer to explain the project plan documents so that there is full understanding.
Decision to Implement the Project
If the customer is satisfied with the content of the project plan, the contract is signed and the project begins.
Implementation of the Project
Kick-off
Analysis of study results
A meeting is held between the customer, the project team, and any other parties involved to confirm each one’s understandings of the project goal and the method of pursuing the project.
Preparation of the Research Plan Documents and Sharing the Progress
The specific details of the study and the implementation schedule will be prepared, and through regular meetings and discussions, the project's progress will be shared among the customer and the project team.
Implementation and Analysis of Document Study and Interviews
Document studies, interviews with domestic and foreign customer-related parties and experts, and surveys are conducted. Problems are analyzed and solutions are considered.
Interim Report
Interim report
Midway through the project, we provide a report on the results of the project up to that point. At that time, we also discuss and reach a decision with the customer concerning the direction of the final project report and any matters that remain to be clarified.
Project Report
Preparation of Final Report and Report Meeting
Preparation and submission
of the final report
The results of the study and research are arranged in narrative form and summarized in documents, and the final report is prepared and submitted. We will visit the customer and hold a Report Meeting to explain the results to the relevant parties.
Recommendations
Recommendations
Depending on the customer's request, we will not only offer recommendations for resolution of problem issues, but will also make recommendations for action plans that incorporate usage of the resources of the Hitachi Group.
Survey of Customer Satisfaction
Following the completion of the project, a survey of the customer’s satisfaction with the execution of the project is conducted through a questionnaire and interview. The results enable us to further improve services in the future.
