Hello Footslogger, there are many different ways to approach production and no one correct way. I recommend spending time in the must read threads.
tm.asp?m=1274014
Another instructive thread, at least for me, is the AAR by John 3rd.
tm.asp?m=1653188
there are lots of pages but somewhere on the 20th ish page there begins a discussion of Japan's economy that is very informative.
Good luck and have fun[:)]