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

Toni L. Doole, Jennifer A. Farris, Eileen M. Van Aken, June Worley

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

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

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.

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
Pages289-297
Number of pages9
StatePublished - 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: Oct 25 2006Oct 28 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
Period10/25/0610/28/06

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