Longitudinal analysis of kaizen event effectiveness

The Kaizen event is an increasingly popular practice used to accelerate technical performance improvement, as well as to develop social system support for long-term continuous improvement. Using previously developed survey instruments the social system outcomes of four Kaizen events within a manufacturing organization were assessed immediately following and approximately four months after the events. Initial technical system outcomes were also assessed. Key features associated with the events were identified, contributing to the development of a framework for assessing Kaizen event effectiveness and further evaluating the role event design and work area factors have in influencing event success.