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K Terms
Kaikaku
Kaikaku is revolutionary change. Where kaizen is generally evolutionary in nature, Kaikaku requires radical shifts in thinking.
Kaizen
Kaizen is a Japanese word that roughly translates to “change for the good”.
Kaizen Event
A kaizen event is a discrete continuous improvement project with a defined start and end point, usually done in a single week.
Kaizen Kit
Kaizen kits are packages of tools and supplies that support continuous improvement activities.
Kaizen Problem Statement
On our Kaizen Charter, we devote quite a bit of space at the top of the form to the problem statement. This should be a good indicator as to the importance we place on it.
Kanban
A kanban is a signal that gives an instruction to get, move, produce, order, or take some other activity with production materials.
Kaoru Ishikawa
See: Ishikawa, Kaoru
Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
KPI stands for key performance indicator. KPIs are the specific, quantifiable measures by which an organization evaluates its success.
Kiichiro Toyoda
See: Toyoda, Kiichiro
Kitting
Kitting is a method used to standardize production processes. Sets of parts are consolidated and delivered to a work area as a unit.
Knowledge
Knowledge is the body of facts and information surrounding a specific topic.
Knowledge Management
Knowledge management is the system of maintaining the collective wisdom of an organization.