INVESTIGATING KAIZEN IMPLEMENTATION PRACTICE: FAFA FOOD SHARE COMPANY IN FOCUS

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine current status of kaizen implementation, challenges, and sustainability towards implementation of kaizen at Fafa Food Share Company. The study focused on analyzing the achievements, challenges and sustainability of kaizen implementation. To achieve the above objectives, descriptive research design was used, primary and secondary data and also a mixed research approach were used. Purposive sampling method was used to select and specify the number of samples used for the study. Primary data were collected from survey questionnaire, in depth interview and self – observation techniques. Secondary data were collected from different published and unpublished documents. The respondent from different department of the factories have been involved for the questionnaires whereas interview was made with management and supervisors. Observation was done by the help of documentation officer and the researcher has made industrial visit. The data gathered through questionnaire were analyzed using frequency and percentage value of the respondents. Data obtained through interview were qualitatively narrated The data gathered through questionnaires revealed that kaizen implementation in is not sustained in Fafa Food Share Company because of lack of continuous training system, lack of management encouragement, less management and employee involvement, gaps unavailable in infrastructures and material resources, less budget allocation and lack of active participation are also other factors for the result. From the data analysis, it is found that respondents focused only on 5s implementation of kaizen in the company. And currently the Case company is implementing kaizen in some departments. Finally, the researcher recommended that the sustainability of kaizen implementation needs enough budget and continuous process follow up which includes: strategical planning, performance measurement, and knowledge and change management.