Compare And Contrast
Compare and Contrast: six sigma, lean, and kaizen
Donna Guillory
Siena Heights University
HCM301-OG, Summer 2015
May 20, 2015
Abstract
This paper will work to compare and contrast six sigma, lean process improvement, and Kaizen. In so doing, it will serve to elaborate on the different similarities in each of these process improvement methods and the ways in which they differ, detailing a clear understanding of each of the three different approaches.
Keywords: process improvement methods, business tools, compare, contrast, lean, six sigma, Kaizen
Compare and Contrast There are many different tools that may be implemented within the business world to work to better improve a particular process, address a current issue, address a potential future issue, or work to identify issues prior to their occurrence in order to ensure that the business continues to run smoothly (Burton, 2015). Understanding what each of those different tools are and how they are best applied is the first step in succeeding in the business world. Through a review of three different tools, lean process improvement, six sigma, and Kaizen, it will be possible to determine the similarities and differences in each of these different tools and indicate an overall understanding of how and when to apply each. Six sigma is a tool that works to implement “a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of six sigma protocols” (What is Six Sigma, 2015, p. 1). Lean production, or lean process improvement, is a practice that works to slim down the overall process used in the completion of a task, working to simplify and optimize business processes in all areas, concerned with applying the smoothest transitional process with the least amount of bulk or excess possible (Hunt, 2015). Kaizen is a “practice of continuous improvement,” one that works to constantly seek out potential areas of issue, find solutions, and work to
Donna Guillory
Siena Heights University
HCM301-OG, Summer 2015
May 20, 2015
Abstract
This paper will work to compare and contrast six sigma, lean process improvement, and Kaizen. In so doing, it will serve to elaborate on the different similarities in each of these process improvement methods and the ways in which they differ, detailing a clear understanding of each of the three different approaches.
Keywords: process improvement methods, business tools, compare, contrast, lean, six sigma, Kaizen
Compare and Contrast There are many different tools that may be implemented within the business world to work to better improve a particular process, address a current issue, address a potential future issue, or work to identify issues prior to their occurrence in order to ensure that the business continues to run smoothly (Burton, 2015). Understanding what each of those different tools are and how they are best applied is the first step in succeeding in the business world. Through a review of three different tools, lean process improvement, six sigma, and Kaizen, it will be possible to determine the similarities and differences in each of these different tools and indicate an overall understanding of how and when to apply each. Six sigma is a tool that works to implement “a measurement-based strategy that focuses on process improvement and variation reduction through the application of six sigma protocols” (What is Six Sigma, 2015, p. 1). Lean production, or lean process improvement, is a practice that works to slim down the overall process used in the completion of a task, working to simplify and optimize business processes in all areas, concerned with applying the smoothest transitional process with the least amount of bulk or excess possible (Hunt, 2015). Kaizen is a “practice of continuous improvement,” one that works to constantly seek out potential areas of issue, find solutions, and work to