ABSTRACT
Kaizen is a Japanese word meaning continuous improvement. Kaizen is a slow but ongoing process of improvement, not a concentrated or quickly implemented set of changes. The improvements are suggested by the person doing the work as opposed to outside consultants. The Kaizen strategy is the single most important concept in Japanese management. It is the key to Japanese competitive success. Because of Japan’s success, the Kaizen philosophy has been implemented in organizations around the world as a way to improve production values while also improving employee morale and safety. The Kaizen concept stimulates productivity improvement as an ongoing process in any company. It is a practice-oriented strategy which leads to creation of culture of improvement. The approach to Kaizen in supply chain via the total flow management system is one that includes the entire supply chain of a given company.
