dc.description.abstract | This research examined Kaizen practices and operational performance at Dodhia and
Blowplast packaging firms. The objectives were to establish the Kaizen practices, assess their
impact on operational performance and establish the factors affecting their adoption and and
sustainability at Dodhia and Blowplast packaging firms in Kenya. The researcher opted for
lean management, value chain and the constraint theory. The researcher opted for the case
study design primarily using interview guides in collating information. The targeted
participants were operation managers, Kaizen managers, supply chain managers, quality
assurance managers and financial controller. The research also opted for thematic or content
analysis in deriving useful information from the interview transcripts. The study findings
revealed that kaizen practices resulted in improvement in the operational performance of the
package manufacturing firms in Kenta. They included Just in Time, 5Ss, lean Six Sigma,
Muda, and total preventive maintenance. The study also established that factors critical to a
successful Kaizen implementation, include a clear strategy, better communication between
upper management and staff, the need for personnel who can advocate for the implementation
of Kaizen being knowledgeable, and the empowerment of workers. On the other side,
obstacles to implementing Kaizen within the business were found to include inadequate
management of the continuous improvement process, resistance to change, and low employee
engagement because of a poor reward system. The study recommends the timely training of
employees about Kaizen practices, and the awarding of performance bonuses and promotions
to motivate them to continue implementing kaizen practices. | en_US |