Kaizen


Kaizen is a Japanese word typically translated as 'continuous improvement'. The term refers to the strategy of making small improvements on a continuous basis. The concept will help managers and practitioners to better understand how to benefit from applying Kaizen in their organisations.

Technique Overview

Kaizen

Kaizen Definition

Kaizen, as a philosophy, is defined as the spirit of improvement based on the spirit of cooperation and commitment; equally relevant in personal, home, social and working life (Brunet, 2000). The specific application of Kaizen to the workplace means continuing (and relatively inexpensive) improvement involving everyone: top management, managers and workers alike (Imai, 1986).

Kaizen Description *

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Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Kaizen *

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Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Kaizen *

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Professional Tools

Kaizen videos and downloads *

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Further Reading

Kaizen web and print resources *

Kaizen references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Atkinson, A.A., Kaplan, R.S., Matsumura, E.M, Young, M.S. (2007) Management Accounting. (5th edition) Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.
  • Bessant, J., Burnell, J., Harding, R. and Webb, S. (1993) Continuous Improvement in British Manufacturing. Technovation, 13(4), pp. 241-254.
  • Brunet, A.P., and New, S. (2003) Kaizen in Japan: An Empirical Study. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Vol. 23(12), pp. 14-26.
  • Bunce, P. (2003) Blow the Budget! Manufacturing Engineer, Vol. 82(1), pp. 34-37.

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