What does the term Kaizen mean?

The term Kaizen is derived from Japanese, where "Kai" means "change" and "Zen" means "good" or "better." Thus, Kaizen refers to the practice of continuous improvement, emphasizing making small, incremental changes that enhance productivity and efficiency in processes over time. This concept is foundational in Lean methodology, aiming to foster an organizational culture that encourages all employees to contribute ideas and improvements regularly.

By focusing on change for the better, organizations can achieve significant results through ongoing, modest enhancements rather than relying solely on large-scale transformations. This philosophy promotes a mindset of ongoing development, directly aligning with Lean principles of waste reduction and value creation in processes. In contrast, the other terms provided refer to different aspects of operations or management that do not encapsulate the spirit of continual improvement present in Kaizen.