melhoria contínua
1. A Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement through small, incremental changes in processes and procedures
The company implemented kaizen principles to reduce waste and improve efficiency on the production line.
A empresa implementou princípios de kaizen para reduzir desperdícios e melhorar a eficiência na linha de produção.
2. A systematic approach involving all employees in making small improvements to their work processes
Through kaizen, workers identify problems and suggest practical solutions in their daily operations.
Por meio do kaizen, os trabalhadores identificam problemas e sugerem soluções práticas em suas operações diárias.
3. The Japanese term literally meaning 'change for the better' or 'improvement'
Kaizen combines 'kai' (change) and 'zen' (good), reflecting its core meaning.
Kaizen combina 'kai' (mudança) e 'zen' (bom), refletindo seu significado central.
Kaizen originated in post-WWII Japan and became a cornerstone of Japanese manufacturing excellence. It gained significant prominence in the West during the 1980s-1990s as companies adopted lean manufacturing principles. In Brazil and Portugal, kaizen is increasingly used in industrial and corporate environments, often referring to formal continuous improvement programs. The philosophy emphasizes respect for people, teamwork, and the belief that everyone can contribute to improvement, making it culturally significant in modern organizational development across all markets.
Related Idioms & Phrases
kaizen event - a focused, short-term improvement activity
kaizen blitz - rapid implementation of continuous improvement
gemba kaizen - improvement at the actual place where work is done
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