What sets them apart is their ability to think outside of Japanese industry's tried and not-so-true practices, and embrace such ideas such as shareholder value and being customer-driven - the management buzzwords in thriving companies worldwide.

CNN: THE NEW JAPAN INC.

It also boasts of a focus on business niches in which it can secure a top-five position, and a pioneering risk-management system that emphasises the creation of shareholder value, and links employees' remuneration to their value to shareholders.

ECONOMIST: Investment banking

Devon, as an energy play, is a well-run independent oil-and-gas producer with its management very focused on enhancing shareholder value.

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