Title: Sustainable continuous improvements and work development: important factors for theory and practice

Authors: Martin Ljungstrom

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Gavle, Division of Quality and Environmental Management, Lulea University of Technology, Arrigo Consultants AB, Fl 15 Wennergren Center, 113 46 Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract: Many companies initiate programmes containing continuous improvements (CI) and work development (WD), but a lot of those fail in terms of sustainability. The paper identifies important factors that need to be considered urgently if one wants to reach a sustainable work with CI and WD. The factors include aspects such as basic ideas, personal interest, simplicity, active management, structured work, clear goals and adaptability. These factors are then illustrated by two engineering companies that have been working with CI and WD for two to three years. The outcome of this test confirms that the identified factors are important.

Keywords: continuous improvements; work development; engineering companies; sustainability; 5S; motivation; action research.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMP.2005.008069

International Journal of Management Practice, 2005 Vol.1 No.4, pp.330 - 344

Published online: 11 Nov 2005 *

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