100-Metodos-de-Qualidade-Total

MANAGEMENT METHODS 51
Method 17
Kaizen
Purpose
A Japanese term meaning 'change for the better', the concept implies a
continuous improvement in all company functions at all levels.
When to use
The term is so common in Japan that it is used in all aspects of life.
How to use
The kaizen concept is based on people's commitment and participation by
using their knowledge and experience, and can therefore be established
through quality circles and suggestion schemes. It can be used in both
manufacturing and business activities.
Benefits
Given the same basic technology, kaizen can help to lead to a higher
productivity rate and high-quality products.
Example
Dahlgaard et al. (1990) surveyed companies in Japan, Korea and Denmark,
and found that the number of companies with quality circles was
about 97 per cent in Japan and Korea, but only 12 per cent in Denmark.
About 70-80 per cent of employees in Japan and Korea took part in quality
circles, but only 12 per cent in Denmark.
Suggestion schemes, with or without a reward system, can be found in
more than 95 per cent of companies in Japan and Korea. The corresponding
figure for Denmark is only 40-50 per cent.
In Japan, kaizen activities are in addition to maintenance of the process
and they can therefore improve the quality of service and products with
limited investment.
References
J.J. Dahlgaard, G.K. Kanji, K. Kristensen (1990) 'A comparative study of quality control
methods and principles in Japan, Korea and Denmark', Total Quality Management, I: 115-32.
M. Imai (1986) Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. New York: Random House.