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The modern concept of the industrial robot revolves around the notion of a “general purpose” or “universal” machine. This notion has recently been given a considerable boost by the ability of microelectronics to provide control and memory devices of unprecedented capacity and flexibility.

Considering the proliferation of free trade agreements (FTAs) worldwide, this study develops and empirically tests a conceptual model to explain the impact of CEO attitudes on the intention of exporting firms to utilize FTA preferential tariffs. Based on a survey of 221 exporting small and medium-sized enterprises in South Korea, this study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the hypotheses. Results show that perceived usefulness and organizational learning partially mediate the relationship between CEO attitudes and intention to use FTA schemes. This study deepens our understanding on the firm’s internal process for utilizing FTA preferential tariffs.

Japanese production of industrial robots amounted to US$34 million in 1973 (hereafter, calculate 1 US$ = Yens 270,‐). For the last couple of years, the demand stayed weak because of the slow down of industrial investment. However, the advancement of robot technology, the improvement cost‐performance of robots, and the active investment on the improvement of productivity and labour welfare in industries caused to increase the production of industrial robots up to $48 million in 1976 and will assure the future expansion of the robot market. (See Fig.1, Fig.2).

Amidst growing concern about the sustainability of human society, architecture studies are focusing increasingly on the means to achieve sustainable buildings. While various forward-looking studies are ongoing in this field, it is also important to realize that critical lessons may be learned from historical buildings that have withstood the test of time. Many traditional wooden buildings in Japan provide excellent examples of sustainable building design and production practices that are inherently flexible and therefore highly resistant to obsolescence. This paper first summarizes a recent lecture by Utida outlining his research into the flexibility and durability of modern buildings, which is based on comparisons with Japan's traditional wooden buildings.

It is based on the results of Open Building researches in Japan, especially works in Utida laboratory of Tokyo University (1970-1986) and in AIJ Open Building Sub Committee. This is followed by an overview of the flexibility and material/social lifespan of buildings, and of the developmental trends seen in builders' organizations. And lastly, the future direction of the Japanese detached housing industry is explored. Specifically, the paper traces the changes in the Japanese detached housing industry between 1970 and 2010, and shows how the industry has been shifting toward a sustainable business model. Problems arising from these changes and possible solutions are discussed with concrete examples, and one specific business model is singled out and defined as a promising solution.