Continuous Improvement (CI)

Big Idea

CI is a broad concept in terms of possible application to every company that is eager to have the transformation philosophy. Hence, there are multiple tools, techniques, theories and strategies by which contibution in CI is achieved.

Firstly, the Kai-zen (change-good=improvement) philosophy originated from Masaaki Imai in Japan is one of the most famous CI methods globally in lean production, however it is related to all corporate functions in a company [3]. It is being defined as that our way of life -be it our working life, our social life, or our home life— deserves to be constantly improved [3]. It targets ongoing/continuous improvement involving all levels of hierarchy (top management to workers) [3]. Moreover, the management principles that are commonly known as Total Quality Control (TQC), Zero Defects (ZD), Just-in-time (JIT), Kamban (signboard) are used under the Kaizen way of life. Focuses on inch by inch gradual development rather than

Application

Provide guidance on how to use the tool, concept or theory and when it is applicable

Limitations

Critically reflect on the tool/concept/theory and its application context. What can it do, what can it not do? Under what circumstances should it be used, and when not? How does it compare to the “status quo” of the standards – is it part of it, or does it extent them? Discuss your article in the context of key readings / resources provided in class. Substantiate your claims with literature

Annotated Bibliography

Provide key references (3-10), where a reader can find additional information on the subject. The article MUST make appropriate references to the and reference material provided in class – either incorporating it as a source, or critically discussing aspects that are missing from it but covered by this article. Summarize and outline the relevance of each reference to the topic (around 100 words per reference). The bibliography is not counted in the suggested 3000 word target length of the article.