The adoption of clever information-technology systems to improve logistics and streamline purchasing has been particularly sluggish, despite corporate Japan's reputation for technological prowess.

ECONOMIST: Consolidation beckons for Japan's retail icons

Little to help implement further changes, like standardizing information technology systems, coordinating purchasing, eliminating redundant treasury departments and figuring out exact job descriptions for top executives.

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In his top-level reshuffle, disclosed Thursday, Mulally also installed global leaders for purchasing, quality and advanced manufacturing engineering and information technology.

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