Kaizen Strategy and Drive for Competitiveness

Question: Discuss about the Kaizen Strategy and Drive for Competitiveness. Answer: Introduction: Kaizen in Japanese culture means change for the better. Through the discussion, have learned that when working in Japan, you can be trained from using simple tools to complex tools. It is of luck to work for Japanese company like Toyota because you will receive invaluable training on job development for instance you can get the chance to work for 3 location as well as to be involved in significant strengths to build ability and strength in area of work. This is promoted through Kaizen culture (Liker, et al, 2011). Some of the Toyota projects that I was involved in include Toyota way of 2001, the Toyota Business Practice and the most significant one being trained by Toyota International TPS group, Operation Management Development division. With the experience I got from Toyota, I was hired in 1990 by Kentucky plant as the Development coach. The primary job being teaching the company members on how to improve their skills. The position was new to me, but I was not able to back off. There was believe that people could be developed into a leadership position, so training was to be done (Liker, et al, 2011). Gemba is also an important approach in Japan. The word means where the work is done and through the approach, I came to realize weakness and strength at working place. I have also realized that I will learn a lot while working in Japan using Kaizen which is strict in development of ability unlike western countries where people stick to their profession (Liker, et al, 2011). References Al Smadi, S., 2009. Kaizen strategy and the drive for competitiveness: challenges and opportunities. Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, 19(3), pp.203-211. Liker, J. and Convis, G.L., 2011. The Toyota way to lean leadership: Achieving and sustaining excellence through leadership development. McGraw-Hill Education.