Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

Which principle of quality management emphasizes continuous improvement?

1. Kaizen

2. Kanban

3. Lean

4. Just-In-Time

The correct answer is: Kaizen

The principle that emphasizes continuous improvement is Kaizen. This approach originated in Japan and is centered around the concept that small, incremental changes made regularly can lead to significant improvements over time. It involves everyone in the organization, from top management to frontline workers, and encourages contributions to enhance processes, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. Kaizen is not just a one-time initiative; it's a sustained effort. In practice, it incorporates the idea of regularly assessing and refining processes by prompting team members to identify areas for improvement. This makes it distinct from other concepts like Kanban, which focuses on managing work during development, Lean, which aims to optimize efficiency and reduce waste, and Just-In-Time, which emphasizes inventory management and reducing waste associated with overproduction. Each of these concepts plays a role within a broader quality management framework, but it is Kaizen that specifically prioritizes the journey of continuous improvement.