Repository of DUTH

Εξερευνήστε την εφαρμογή της μεθοδολογίας Κaizen από τις Ελληνικές Επιχειρήσεις (Master thesis)

Μαλλιός, Ιωάννης/ Mallios, Ioannis

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the results of applying the Kaizen approach in Greek companies. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on the exploratory qualitative research approach. Data were collected through interviews and field observation with employees involved in the caravan maintenance project who have sufficient knowledge and information about this project. Findings: The findings suggest that the Kaizen approach was economical in terms of both money and time. Applying the Kaizen approach is an effective and reliable system that allows all types of inefficiencies to be addressed. Research limitations/implications: The findings of this study will help policy makers and managers to formulate appropriate and effective policies that will help these companies overcome the demands of customers and competitors to deliver high-quality, low-cost products in less time by implementing the approach Kaizen. This, in turn, will lead to improved quality, efficiency and productivity in the most cost-effective manner. However, these results should not be generalized, as they are limited only to the context of the work of the participating companies. Originality/value: Very little research has been done that considers developing country contexts. Furthermore, most literature presents the use of Kaizen applications only in the production or manufacturing sectors. This study is the first to apply Kaizen as a continuous improvement technique. The current research should be of great interest to researchers, managers and practitioners who wish to apply the Kaizen approach as it is sustainable over time in similar projects.