Kaizen and Japanese quality circle

Kaizen is a philosophical and systematic approach, developed by Japan after World War II. In Japanese, Kaizen is compounded from “Kai” – “change” or “get it right” and “Zen” – “good”, means “continuous improvement”.

Kaizen is the accumulation of small improvements into big results, focusing on problem identification, problem solving and standard change to ensure the problem is solved at the root. Therefore, Kaizen is more than a process of continuous improvement, with the belief that human creativity is infinite. Thereby, all members of the organization from leaders to workers are encouraged to make suggestions for improvement, even small from their daily work.

The Japanese feedback system focuses on the participation of all employees. Japanese companies believe that the more people participate, the greater the chance of gradual and continuous improvement.

In Japanese enterprises, besides building an idea proposal system (Kaizen Teian) in order to encourage the contribution of initiatives, targeting each individual employee, the establishment of quality teams and circle is also noted. important. American researchers say that Japanese quality circle are the “key to success” of Japanese businesses. Japanese quality circle have the purpose of the group: Detecting and solving problems related to product quality, combating waste, increasing productivity. These groups, depending on their size, accomplish different kaizen goals.

With a group of 8 to 10 people, the group usually consists of members: The company leader plays the role of a sponsor, supports the group’s activities, the team leader, and collects and processes information; other members (as company employees), experts, and customers. Leaders are elected by the group or appointed by their superiors. The team was trained in quality control methods, creative thinking, problem solving such as brainstorming methods (Brainstorming), Synectics, 6 thinking hats (Six Thinking Hat).

The quality team operates on a weekly basis and operates in the form of a Task Force. The task force is formed to meet the improvement needs of a certain area or part of the business, when the solution needs to be provided within 5-7 days. The aforementioned operation of the Task Force is called Kaizen Event. Kaizen Event is especially applicable in the following cases: It is urgent to have a solution to meet the requirements of customers or to overcome competitors. Need to make a meaningful impression of sales or profits. Unable to tolerate, prolong unwanted status.

The activities of quality circle have created a quality movement and brought reliable brands about the quality of Japanese products and goods worldwide.

Source: Scribd