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Tools and techniques of operations management
7.6 Kaizen
Kaizen is a Japanese term for the philosophy of continuous
improvement via small, incremental steps.
Involves setting standards and Employees often work in teams and
continually improving these. are empowered to make changes.
Characteristics
Focus is on elimination of waste,
improving processes and systems Involves all areas of the business.
and improving productivity.
Kaizen tools
Plan-do-check- The fishbone The five why
act (PDCA) cycle diagram The Pareto rule process
A cycle that A line is drawn The 80/20 rule Examines issues
encourages key indicating a route encouraging a by constantly
stages to of continuous focus of effort on asking ‘why’ until
continuous improvement and the important the real issue is
improvement. off this line ‘fish 20%. identified.
bones’ will
splinter indicating
potential
problems.
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