Online Class: Kaizen 101 - An Introduction

Explore the Kaizen approach, transcending beyond just a business tool, as it morphs into a lifestyle encouraging constant evolution and excellence. Through comprehensive tool reviews and management insights, this course guides you to seamlessly integrate Kaizen with your unique organizational culture.

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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 23
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 765
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 5
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Unlocking Excellence: The Kaizen Way to Business Success and Personal Growth

In the heart of Japan lies a powerful philosophy that's woven into the fabric of its culture, a transformative concept called "Kaizen" - the art and science of continuous improvement. While the mystique of Kaizen has been intrinsic to Japanese development for years, it's only begun to sparkle on the global stage, captivating Western minds and methodologies.

But what makes Kaizen such a game-changer?

Peel back the layers, and you'll see that at its core, Kaizen isn't just about business processes—it's a philosophy of life. It's the difference between stagnation and evolution, between resting on laurels and constantly striving for excellence. It's the engine behind industry giants such as Toyota, Apple, Google, and Microsoft, as well as the secret sauce of numerous high-flying celebrities and athletes who have scaled the summits of their respective fields.

Dive Deep into the World of Kaizen with Our Course:

  • Foundational Knowledge: Immerse yourself in the origins, principles, and transformative power of Kaizen. Understand why it's more than just a business tool—it's a way of life.

  • Comprehensive Tool Review: Familiarize yourself with the wide array of Kaizen tools and techniques. Learn the art of selecting, adopting, and harmonizing them within your unique business environment.

  • Management Perspective: Equip yourself or your management team with a deep, nuanced understanding of Kaizen's potential. Make decisions rooted in insight, ensuring Kaizen becomes an integral part of your organizational DNA.

  • Customization Strategies: Every business is unique. Identify which Kaizen tools align best with your company's ethos and goals. Learn how to foster a cultural shift that ensures a seamless and impactful Kaizen integration.

  • Engaging Learning Experience: Beyond mere theory, our course is infused with high-definition videos, vivid charts, insightful graphs, and compelling quotes from Kaizen luminaries. Real-life case studies bring the concepts alive, ensuring the lessons are not just learned, but lived.

In a rapidly changing world, the only constant is change. Embracing Kaizen isn't just about staying relevant—it's about leading the charge, setting industry standards, and crafting a legacy of excellence. Whether you're an individual eager for personal growth or a business seeking a competitive edge, this course is your gateway to a brighter, more prosperous future.

Don't be left behind. Dive into the riveting world of Kaizen, and watch as continuous improvement becomes your second nature. Join us, and let's embark on this transformative journey together!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.76 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(612 votes)

Lesson 1. Embracing Kaizen: The Art of Continuous Improvement

Kaizen contrasts the conventional mindset by focusing on process improvements rather than individual errors, usually achieved through teamwork and cultivating a culture open to change. This approach not only boosts organizational performance but also emphasizes the importance of gradual development in personal lives, advocating the motto: 'You are what you make yourself.' 19 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-1-Downloadable-20130.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: Motives for Taking this Course
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Review Exam

Lesson 2. Understanding the 3 Key Elements of Kaizen

Kaizen emphasizes ongoing improvement through practical, small changes that engage all levels of workers and management, distinct from Western ideas of radical change. Its key methodologies include Gemba walks for real-time observation, Kaizen Blitz workshops for rapid problem-solving, and Mini Kaizen for empowering individual employee innovation. 20 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-2-Activity-20132.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Review Exam

Lesson 3. Kaizen Mindset: Transforming Thought to Drive Continuous Improvement

Effective Kaizen leadership involves daily improvements, placing customer satisfaction at the forefront, and prioritizing quality over profit. Leaders must create a culture where problem-solving is collaborative and cross-functional, fostering an environment that continuously seeks to add value. 19 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-3-WorkSheet-20133.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Review Exam

Lesson 4. Streamlining Success: The Power of the Kaizen Event

A Kaizen event is a collaborative effort aimed at optimizing business processes through waste reduction and value enhancement by engaging all stakeholders in the continuous improvement process. It fosters innovation and rapid solutions while requiring commitment across the organization for successful implementation. 20 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-4-Activity-20136.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Review Exam

Lesson 5. Elevating Processes with Kaizen and Six Sigma

Lesson Summary 5: The scientific methodology of Six Sigma is ideal for developing and refining hypotheses about organizational operations, enabling effective problem-solving through rigorous analysis and control measures. Unlike Six Sigma's analytical focus, Kaizen's broad vision promotes collective insights for gradual yet constant improvement in company processes and employee roles. 1 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-5-StudyGuide-20138.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Activity

Lesson 6. Customer Focus and Continuous Improvement in Kaizen

Teamwork in Kaizen mirrors sports dynamics, where the collective effort leads to achieving goals; quality circles empower employees to refine processes, fostering a sense of belonging and active involvement. Automation aids continuous improvement by streamlining tasks, yet it's most effective when combined with other Kaizen strategies. 71 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-6-HomeWork-20139.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 6
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Review Exam

Lesson 7. Streamlined Efficiency: Key Definitions in Lean Management

Kaizen's essence lies in visual management, JIT, and 5S, driving a clean, efficient workplace through continuous improvement and waste elimination. 70 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-7-WorkSheet-20141.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 7
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Review Exam

Lesson 8. Kaizen's Organizational Blueprint: Leveraging Management and Expert Teams

Kaizen's success relies on a structured hierarchy involving diverse roles like steering committees, managers, and action teams, ensuring efficient information flow and task delegation. This framework supports continuous improvement by harnessing expertise from external consultants and coaches, fostering a culture of skill enhancement and problem-solving. 70 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-8-StudyGuide-20143.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Activity
  • Assessment: Exam 8
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Review Exam

Lesson 9. The Art of Continuous Business Improvement: Understanding the PDCA Cycle

Walter A. Shewart and Edward W. Deming developed the PDCA Cycle as a method for implementing continuous improvement within organizations by emphasizing planning, testing, reviewing, and standardizing processes. This iterative process involves data collection, stakeholder engagement, and systematic problem-solving techniques like brainstorming and root cause analysis. 20 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-9-StudyGuide-20145.pdf
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Review Exam

Lesson 10. Kaizen Implementation Explained

Kaizen focuses on continuous improvement, demanding a change in mindset to view existing processes as improvable and never set in stone. Successful implementation relies on fostering a culture emphasizing process improvements, job satisfaction, teamwork, and a commitment to customer-centric strategies. 60 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-10-Activity-20147.pdf
  • Assessment: Exam 10
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Review Exam

Lesson 11. QC Tools Simplified

Cause and Effect diagrams, also known as Ishikawa diagrams, systematically link potential causes to specific effects. This visual tool aids in brainstorming and organizing ideas to identify root causes of quality issues. 11 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-11-HomeWork-20149.pdf
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Activity
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Review Exam

Lesson 12. Enhancing Financial Efficiency with Kaizen Budgeting: A Guide

Kaizen and target-costing methods share a focus on achieving target costs but differ in application, where Kaizen stresses perpetual production process improvements for profitability. Empowering multidisciplinary teams and fostering communication facilitate the expansive adoption of Kaizen practices beyond traditional, compartmentalized approaches. 185 Total Points
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Review Practice Worksheet: Lesson-12-WorkSheet-20150.pdf
  • Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Course Comments; Course Comments
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Review Exam
566
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the PDCA cycle to continuous improvement initiatives by outlining specific actions for planning, executing, evaluating, and optimizing processes.
  • Describe how Kaizen's philosophy of incremental changes can be integrated into personal and professional practices to achieve measurable improvements in efficiency and satisfaction.
  • Demonstrate understanding of Kaizen by outlining strategies for engaging employees in identifying and implementing small, incremental changes for organizational improvement.
  • Recognize and describe the three key elements of Kaizen—Gemba, Blitz, and Mini—utilized for continuous improvement.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply the 5-whys method to identify root causes of organizational challenges.
  • Identify and propose strategies for transitioning to a Kaizen mindset and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within a team or organization.
  • Define the concept of Kaizen and describe its application within Quality Improvement frameworks to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Identify and analyze the seven types of waste within a Kaizen event to formulate strategies that streamline processes and eliminate inefficiencies.
  • Define and distinguish the principles of Kaizen and Six Sigma in driving continuous process improvement.
  • Demonstrate the application of Kaizen and Six Sigma synergies to enhance organizational efficiency and quality outcomes.
  • Define the concept of Kaizen and describe its impact on organizational culture through continuous improvement across all functions.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply Kaizen principles by analyzing a business scenario and identifying strategies for customer focus and operational efficiency enhancements.
  • Define the five components of the 5S framework—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—and evaluate their impact on workplace efficiency.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
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Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Kaizen 101 - An Introduction
Course Number: 9770483
Lessons Rating: 4.76 / 5 Stars (612 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is fully available online in all 50 states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in major English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland.
Last Updated: May 2024
CEU Value: 0.5 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Linda Zavadil
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I work at Goodwill and this taught me a lot about how to improve my workplace, both in the warehouse and on the sales floor." -- Paul L.
  • "It was challenging. Exams made me think a lot and was very challenging." -- Johanne H.
  • "Very helpful and somewhat difficult." -- Marc C.

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