Development and application of a framework for the design and assessment of a kaizen event program

Geert Letens, Jennifer A. Farris, Eileen M. Van Aken

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

With the increased use of lean manufacturing practices in recent years, many organizations are using "Kaizen events" as a mechanism to rapidly introduce change and to create a culture of continual improvement (or kaizen). This paper introduces a framework for the design and management of a Kaizen event program, and describes the development and application of an assessment approach based on this framework. To illustrate the usefulness of the framework, the paper presents a case study of how the framework was applied to guide the design of the Kaizen event program within the Communication and Information System Competence Centre of the Belgian Armed Forces. Using the framework as a development and assessment tool, the Centre was able to overcome a number of implementation problems that were experienced with the more traditional mechanism of continuous process improvement teams. The paper concludes by summarizing lessons learned from the case study application and identifying directions for future research.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication27th Annual National Conference of the American Society for Engineering Management 2006 - Managing Change
Subtitle of host publicationManaging People and Technology in a Rapidly Changing World, ASEM 2006
Pages298-307
Number of pages10
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Event27th Annual National Conference of the American Society for Engineering Management 2006 - Managing Change: Managing People and Technology in a Rapidly Changing World, ASEM 2006 - Huntsville, AL, United States
Duration: 25 Oct 200628 Oct 2006

Publication series

Name27th Annual National Conference of the American Society for Engineering Management 2006 - Managing Change: Managing People and Technology in a Rapidly Changing World, ASEM 2006

Conference

Conference27th Annual National Conference of the American Society for Engineering Management 2006 - Managing Change: Managing People and Technology in a Rapidly Changing World, ASEM 2006
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHuntsville, AL
Period25/10/0628/10/06

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