Kaizen Workshop as an Important Element of Continuous Improvement Process

Nedeljko Štefanić

University of Zagreb,

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia,

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Nataša Tošanović

University of Zagreb,

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia,

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Miro Hegedić University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Địa chỉ email này đã được bảo vệ từ spam bots, bạn cần kích hoạt Javascript để xem nó.

Received (15 April 2012); Revised (11 June 2012); Accepted (12 June 2012)

Kaizen 33

Abstract

Nowadays continuous improvement process is part of every world class manufacturing company. As such there is variety of different tools which help to manage it and lead it in the proper direction. Outcome of continuous improvement activities is flexible production with shorter lead time, and satisfied customer. To accomplish above mentioned goals, one of possible methods which can be used is kaizen. This paper presents basics of kaizen, and why it is important to conduct regular kaizen workshops as part of Continuous Improvement Process in a company. Also a Case Study about results of kaizen workshop in one Croatian Company is presented. 

Key words: Lean production, Continuous improvement process, Kaizen event