Chapter 557 - 550: Learning
Chapter 557: Chapter 550: Learning
Tian Xinhua had already planned to visit the East Asia Group, and since Sisi had arranged it in advance, it saved him the trouble of seeking them out on his own.
The Li Family’s business ventures were vast; the electronics company was merely one of their subsidiaries, specializing in the production of integrated circuit boards.
Sisi left Du Du at home in the care of Mu Xiulan, and she went with Tian Xinhua to visit the Li Family’s electronics company.
Li Junji had already been waiting at the entrance of the company, accompanied by several men in shirts, all wearing visitor badges around their necks. Sisi and Tian Xinhua also received one to hang.
Li Junji introduced them to each other. These men were the company’s senior management personnel. Upon learning that Sisi and Tian Xinhua were the famous heiress of Ai Hua Appliances and her swift-ascending fiancé, they greeted them with great respect.
Sisi noticed President Zhang, who was trying to minimize his presence. She purposely said: "President Zhang, we meet again!"
Li Junji tentatively asked, "Sisi, have you met President Zhang before?"
President Zhang’s heart leaped with trepidation, fearing that she would bring up what happened in Shanghai. Seeing that the young master of his house was quite close with this young lady, if the young master fired him for the sake of a friend, his whole family would be doomed!
At the same time, President Zhang was secretly relieved that he had been quick-witted in Shanghai and hadn’t completely offended Miss He; otherwise, his fate would have been miserable.
You see, Secretary Li is still bedridden to this day!
"In Shanghai, I’ve had the occasion to meet President Zhang for business," Sisi mentioned lightly. Hearing that it was just a casual acquaintance, Li Junji dropped the subject.
President Zhang heaved a sigh of relief, wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, and felt very grateful towards Sisi. Simultaneously, he resolved never to make the same mistakes, wondering if other women could turn from a docile rabbit into a fierce she-wolf like Sisi had.
If he encountered a few more like her, he feared his life would be left in the Mainland!
As they entered the factory workshop, a blast of cool air welcomed them. Tian Xinhua silently nodded in approval. His recent visits to various companies in Hong Kong showed that they placed a good deal of importance on their employees’ working environment and benefits, something worthwhile to emulate.
The factory workers operated in an orderly manner, utilizing assembly line production. Any delay in keeping pace would affect the group’s productivity. Quality inspectors constantly roamed, performing random checks, culling defective products. If a higher rate of defects was observed, they would require the group to stop and perform a self-check.
Moreover, everything in the workshop was neatly and orderly arranged. Sisi noted that workers followed specific patterns for the placement of equipment and materials, clearly indicating designated areas for each.
Prominently displayed in the workshop corridor was the ’5S’ management sign: sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain.
Sisi couldn’t help but laugh, recognizing the familiar scene from the ’5S’ management that was touted heavily in major companies in her past life. It had even evolved to ’8S’. Regardless of the company’s size, ’5S’ was universally implemented, hailed as a successful management concept from Country R.
But as far as Sisi knew, this so-called ’5S’ management in those companies was often just for show, where the promised benefits were never seen, and the employees endlessly grumbled and complained.
It was surprising to see that the East Asia Group had started to adopt this management style so early!
And it seemed to be quite successful, too!
"Jun Ji, what does this ’5S’ management mean? What’s its purpose?" Tian Xinhua also caught onto the concept and inquired to Li Junji.
Upon this topic, Li Junji became very animated. This ’5S’ was something he was very keen to implement, having faced much opposition initially. However, seeing the successful results, the patriarch of the Li Family eventually allowed Li Junji to introduce ’5S’ into all Li family companies.
"’5S’ management is already mature in Country R. It can not only save costs but also improve work efficiency," explained Li Junji. "After visiting Country R and learning from them, I first initiated it in our electronics company, with great results. I plan to continue propagating it to our other companies."
Li Junji was enthusiastic as he shared this. The ’5S’ had significantly boosted his status within the Li Family, opening many doors for him. There could come a time when their Line would prevail against the main branch and inherit the East Asia Group.
Li Junji’s father was not born to Li Fuyuan’s legitimate wife. Li Fuyuan had three wives in total.
The first wife, Li Zhaoji’s grandmother, was the bona fide wife and only bore one son, Li Zhaoji’s father. The second wife had a daughter, very self-aware, never sought prominence.
The third wife, Li Junji’s grandmother, gave birth to two sons and two daughters, held a dear place in Li Fuyuan’s heart, and had a substantial influence within the Li Family. She and the first wife were like fighting cocks, and Li Fuyuan kept out from household matters, merely watching the power struggle from the sidelines.
In Sisi’s personal opinion, this old man Li Fuyuan was selecting for merit: whoever won in the end would be the heir to East Asia Group.
However, Sisi genuinely thought this selection method was quite cruel. They were all from the same root, so why rush to compete against each other, turning family of the same blood into sworn enemies?
It can’t be denied that Li Fuyuan truly is a shrewd figure; those who accomplish great things do not cling to sentiment, they have the heart for it!
Tian Xinhua and Li Junji hit it off while discussing company management, even talking through lunch. They dined in the electronics company’s cafeteria with meals consisting of two meats, two vegetables, and soup, quite an abundant offering.
"Alas, labor costs in Hong Kong are becoming more expensive, production costs are rising, and profit margins for products are lessening. I wonder how many more years the factory can keep going?"
Li Junji sighed. This electronics factory was handed down to him by his grandfather, and if he couldn’t manage it well, the main branch would surely gloat.
Sisi said with a grin, "You could move the factory to the Mainland. Our labor costs there are much lower compared to Hong Kong, and there’s much more space too."
Tian Xinhua also chimed in, "If you come to City F, I can guarantee you a series of favorable policies that will ensure you turn a profit."
Li Junji’s eyes brightened up as he had an epiphany. Indeed, plants may die when uprooted, but people thrive with change. How had it not occurred to him before?
"You have a say in City F?" Li Junji wanted further confirmation.
Sisi winked at Tian Xinhua and beckoned Li Junji closer, whispering Tian Xinhua’s position into his ear. Li Junji’s eyes widened, nearly exclaiming aloud.
Sisi patted his head firmly, admonishing, "Don’t be so melodramatic. If you know, then that’s good enough. Don’t go blabbering about it everywhere. My Brother Xin Hua still has other companies to visit!"
Li Junji rubbed his head and nodded vigorously, promising to keep it a secret.
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