Learning from kaizen events: A research methodology for determining the characteristics of more-and less - Successful events

This paper describes an ongoing research program focused on identifying determinants of Kaizen event effectiveness, both in terms of initial event outcomes and the sustainability of outcomes. Although anecdotal published accounts suggest that increasing numbers of companies are using Kaizen events and that these projects can result in substantial improvement in key business metrics, there is a lack of systematic research on Kaizen events. A particular weakness of the current published accounts is the lack of attention to less successful events - only strongly successful applications of Kaizen events receive much coverage in the accounts. We present an example from a less successful Kaizen event studied in the current research to highlight how the methods and measures used in the research allow triangulation of multiple data types and sources. The implications of the example Kaizen event as a stand alone case are also examined, and, finally, the current state of the research program and directions for future research are described.