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AIM OF BUSINESSES The aim of every business organization is to gain profits by manufacturing products or providing services. If business is set up for earning profits, obviously, it aims at gaining maximum profits. In order to increase profits, it is necessary to control production costs and avoid errors that cause loss and wastage. Industrialists are always trying to find out and implement ways, means and strategies for increasing profits and saving resources.
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Six Sigma was developed in 1986 by Motorola Six Sigma is one such strategy developed in 1986 by Motorola. The strategy is now used in all kinds of industries in order to improve the quality of goods or services. The strategy consists of removal of defects and errors, creating groups of expert people within an organization and then carrying out each project according to a set of steps in an effort to reach specific financial milestones.
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TERMINOLOGY Six Sigma is a set of tools that helps to limit defects and remove errors. ‘Kaizen’ is a Japanese word which means continuous improvement and change for the better. ‘Lean’ is the opposite of ‘fat’ and focuses on removal of wastes.
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Implementing Lean kaizen and Six Sigma in an organization involves 5 important steps.
Training and Practice, creating awareness then preach
Pilot study
Implementation
Leadership and commitment
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Leadership and Commitment
Successful projects in organizations begin from the top and filter downwards. The top leaders in the organization must take a vow of bringing about change and improvement in the company, they must follow the necessary actions religiously and honestly, all the time remaining committed to the cause.
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Practice, then preach!
Once
the decision is taken, the leaders must spend time gathering knowledge about six sigma, reading books and getting information. An obsession with the new project will reflect the attitudinal and behavioral changes in them. They must practice the principle of six sigma and lean kaizen before they expect the employees to follow.
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Training and Creating Awareness
It is the responsibility of leaders to train and educate employees regarding the new techniques and principles that they plan to practice. Without understanding the need and importance of the change in the organization, one cannot expect the employees to cooperate. It is necessary to involve every employee in the project, explain, create awareness, train and encourage using the new techniques.
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Pilot Study
Once
the scene is set, the principles should be followed by everyone in consensus, seeking help from each other, from seniors and experts. This will be the trial stage and problems and difficulties will be identified. More training can be provided if necessary.
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Implementation
This is the final stage. Now all are trained and have enough practice of the Kaizen principles. It brings about a massive wave of change for the better. Employees and leaders should feel inspired and motivated as improvements are noticed visibly.
While Kaizen deals with improvement of all aspects by standardizing processes, six sigma focuses on eliminating errors, defects and shortcomings. Lean manages reducing wastes. The three work together leading to a positive change and improvement that does not stop but remains a continuous process in the future.
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Vedzen is a firm that supports the implementation of lean kaizen in business organizations.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US Vedzen Institute 8, Friends Colony, Sindh Hindu Society, Lulla Nagar, Pune 411040 +91 9822 985 728 sss@vedzen.com http: www.vedzen.com
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