KAIZEN LEAN Tours are an integral part of the services offered by the KAIZEN Institute worldwide. Enclosed is a snapshot of our International KAIZEN LEAN Tour.
Join participants from around the world on a remarkable tour and experience several world class local based companies. Our KAIZEN LEAN Tour partners are successful companies, often honored with awards in their respective sectors. This tour affords a "behind the scenes" view into the production and service segments of our Tour partner's facilities, providing a look at current KAIZEN trends in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
KAIZEN Institute will introduce the latest developments of the KAIZEN Management System model, namely: Flow Management, Total Productive Maintenance, Quality Control, Service Management, Change Management and KAIZEN Foundation Philosophy.
All of our Tour Partners have chosen to implement a KAIZEN Strategy. The site visits and discussions will allow participants to experience KAIZEN improvements and results achieved in the GEMBA.
After a short introduction from the host site, experience the practical side of KAIZEN – live and in person! Enjoy the chance to network with fellow tour participants, share experiences, and visit with KAIZEN experts during the ride in the tour bus and at the joint dinners. Witness TPM, KANBAN, Continuous Flow, and many other powerful, proven systems in action.
October 2010 |
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| 06. Oct - 07. Oct 2010 |
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International KAIZEN Tour 2010 (Switzerland) | Schweiz |
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November 2010 |
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| 15. Nov - 18. Nov 2010 |
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KAIZEN LEAN Tour Japan - Manufacturing/KAIZEN | Japan |
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Contact for more information:
Tel.: +41 41 725 42 80
Fax: +41 41 725 42 89
E-mail: kaizentours@spam.kaizen.com
Masaaki Imai’s KAIZEN Lean journey started in 1950 at age 26, taking Japanese managers on tours of American plants looking for the secrets of high productivity and efficiency. In 1961, he returned to Japan and became the first corporate headhunter and consultant to major corporations striving for a competitive advantage. Twenty years later, the situation was reversed, with Mr. Imai receiving visitors from all over the world intent on seeking out the secrets of their Japanese trading partners- via KAIZEN Lean Study Tours.
This October I was fortunate enough to attend my second Japanese Study Tour, travelling with a small NZ contingent, to see more of how Japanese companies apply themselves to maximising productivity and efficiency in everything they do.
My overall impression is that the Japanese culture is one with a focus on delivering high quality products and services. I believe that this doctrine probably dates back to ancient times and has been translated into the modern age by companies such as Toyota, Lexus Sony and Panasonic to name but a few.
- Masaaki Imai, José Pires and Augusto Goncalves
This year I attended the final of the KAIZEN LEAN Tour in Japan. Although it was my first experience of the tour, it was my third visit to Japan. I have visited Japan many times with good reason; not only is my job connected with Japan and more specifically Toyota, but I personally find Japan as a country both interesting and curious.
Many companies, when considering or beginning their Lean Kaizen journey, question whether it is possible to achieve success in a different country other than Japan. Many people are of the opinion that Japanese people are different; and personally, I have to agree!
When one visits Japan, the culture one can feel quite alien, albeit in a good way. It’s the respect that people have for one another, the organization and civility in which their society thrives, the care and love with which they tend their gardens are all fascinating to observe. Japanese people take immense pride in their role in society, and aim to accomplish their job to the highest possible standard; whether they are a doctor, waitresses or garbage collectors.
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