Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the need for deployment of Kaizen initiatives in Indian industries in the wake of globalization and opening of economy. Toyota, an automobile major from Japan took up this challenging initiative and adopted ‘KAIZEN’ practices in their country which led to customer satisfaction, on time delivery, and nil rejection through PQCDSM/Lean Tools. This has put them in the world-class excellence in quality. Indian Industries (both manufacturing & services) need to upgrade themselves to face severe competition from China and other south Asian developing countries through continuous improvement. The road blocks and barriers for ‘KAIZEN’ initiative adoption are reviewed and need to take up this culture change are summarized at the concluding chapters.