Title: Empirical investigation of integrated Kaizen philosophy (continuous improvement) practices application for enhancing sustainable competitiveness of manufacturing industries of Ethiopia

Authors: Haftu Hailu Berhe; Hailekiros Sibhato Gebremichael; Kinfe Tsegay Beyene

Addresses: Ethiopian Institute of Technology-Mekelle (EiT-M), Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia ' Ethiopian Institute of Technology-Mekelle (EiT-M), Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia ' Ethiopian Institute of Technology-Mekelle (EiT-M), Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to investigate the combined application of Kaizen practices in selected manufacturing industries of Ethiopia. The study adopted a mixed methods research supported on survey and company observation. The findings revealed that Kaizen practices are found to be partially practiced with a minimum of 50%. Besides, by following structured framework, companies saved and gained a total of 3,175,549.39 USD, attained operational results of customer satisfaction, delivery time, defect rate, productivity, sales volume and net profits with 67.92, 33.98, 49.29, 22.9, 33.02 and 26.33% respectively. However, sustaining practices is a worry for some of the companies. Ever since, the existing practices rarely presented empirical evidence reinforcing theories pertaining to application of Kaizen practices for sustainable competitiveness, therefore, researchers realise that this is the very first research that may have value for triple helix actors: manufacturing industries, institutions and government policymakers in the context of a developing country.

Keywords: Kaizen practices; continuous improvement; integrated application; enhancing sustainable competitiveness; empirical investigation; Ethiopian manufacturing industries.

DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2024.140158

International Journal of Quality Engineering and Technology, 2024 Vol.10 No.1, pp.19 - 66

Accepted: 10 Aug 2023
Published online: 25 Jul 2024 *

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