ASSESSMENT OF KAIZEN IMPLEMENTATION PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES IN THE CASE OF TIKUR ABBAY SHOE SHARE COMPANY

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess Practices and Challenges of Kaizen Implementation at Tikur Abbay Shoe Share Company. In addition the objectives were to assess the gaps between the designed and applied kaizen, to point out the major challenges encountered during kaizen implementation and to suggest practical recommendations which can help to have effective implementation of kaizen. To address the objectives, descriptive research design was used, primary and secondary data and also a mixed research methods (i. e. an approach of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods) were used to collect data from employees, management, supervisor and kaizen officer. The data gathered through questionnaire were analyzed using frequency and percentage value of the respondents. Data obtained through interview were qualitatively narrated. kaizen implementation in TASSCo were brought some changes in minimizing work flows and in reducing time conception but there had been challenges which emanated from various sources, like gaps in knowledge of executives, trainers and employees; their negative attitude towards the kaizen implementation; their lack of knowledge and skills; gaps in available infrastructures and material resources; and gaps in the capacity and capabilities of the management body. The study disclosed that there were inadequate training on the concept and application of kaizen. This has an effect on the overall activities of kaizen sustainability and standardization. Finally, the study concluded that, respondents focused only on 5s implementation of kaizen in the company. These were obstacles to relate theory with practical application of kaizen at work place. Thus, to reduce the knowledge and skill gap of the implementers on pillars of kaizen, training on kaizen is suggested as an important force of smooth kaizen implementation.