Kaizen

Definition of Kaizen

Kaizen means improvement in Japanese; an approach that makes small, continuous enhancements to improve over time.

Pronunciation Spelling

KY-zuhn

Example Sentence

Implementing kaizen principles, the team made gradual but significant improvements in their productivity.

Significance

Agile practitioners should understand “Kaizen” as it embodies the continuous improvement philosophy within agile methodologies. This term, meaning “improvement” in Japanese, emphasizes the practice of making ongoing incremental improvements in processes, products, and workflows. Integrating Kaizen principles into agile practices fosters a culture of constant enhancement, encourages teams to identify and address inefficiencies, and promotes a mindset of continuous learning and development. Familiarity with Kaizen supports agile teams in consistently refining their processes and delivering better value to customers over time.

Additional Resources

• Continuous Improvement Process: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get the Most Out of Yours
• Kanban: Successful Evolutionary Change for Your Technology Business