Example Of Essay On Comparing And Contrasting Kaizen And Six Sigma

This paper compares and contrasts two methods that many companies used to ensure that it operates in a responsible and sustainable way. These methods are the Kaizen and the Six Sigma approach.
Kaizen is a quick improvement procedure that focuses on improving productivity, eliminating waste, and obtaining sustained improvement in certain processes and activities of the organization (Epa.gov). The philosophy of Kaizen is centered on small, incremental transformations applied and maintained for a long time which leads to massive improvements. The Six Sigma, on the other hand, is a measurement of quality that aims to achieve perfection. Six Sigma approach is a data-driven strategy and methodology for eliminating any form of defects in the procedures, from manufacturing to transactions and from goods produced to services delivered (Isixsigma.com). Kaizen seeks to involve workers in various functions to address an issue or enhance a process (Epa.gov).
In applying Kaizen approach to the automobile industry, this involves identifying the right target area for improvement (Epa.gov). These areas include those with considerable work-in-progress; a production or administrative area, and areas where performance or quality fails to meet the expectations of the customers. Kaizen uses value stream mapping to identify potential opportunities and eliminate wastes quickly. On the contrary, the Six Sigma applies the DMAIC process to improve the system of the automotive business particularly those that do not meet the specification (Walters). Unlike Kaizen, Six Sigma can be used even when changes to be made are enormous. In Kaizen, the team works together to create a good understanding of the process in order for members to understand the issue that needs to be resolved.
Kaizen and Six Sigma both aims to eliminate waste and promote improvement in the standards of the company. Kaizen involves a lot of individuals while Six Sigma is usually conducted by skilled people with certain expertise needed to do the job.

Works Cited

Epa.gov,. 'Kaizen | Lean Manufacturing and The Environment | US EPA'. N.p., 2015. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
Isixsigma.com,. 'What Is Six Sigma?'. N.p., 2015. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
Walters, Chad. 'Lean | Six Sigma | Kaizen | What Is Lean Six Sigma Kaizen |'. Lean Blitz Consulting. N.p., 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.