Abstract:
Kaizen was introduced to Ethiopia in 2009 with JICAs technical assistance. The success of the
first pilot project confirmed the transferability and effectiveness of Kaizen. The second project was
aimed at training Ethiopian Kaizen consultants in order to build the capacity of the institute. In
this project Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutes received training.
Entoto polytechnic college was one of them. Kaizen is a continuous improvement of operation by
involving everyone. Commitment, genuine participation and motivation are the critical factors of
kaizen implementation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and challenge of
kaizen implementation in Entoto polytechnic college. The five S’s were deployed as a beginning of
kaizen implementation in the college. To address the objectives, case study research design was
employed, and both primary and secondary data collection methods were used. Data collected
from 188 respondents through questionnaires and structured interviews. Simple random Sampling
was employed to select the sample. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive
statistics with SPSS Version 20. The findings of the research showed that there was moderately
implemented kaizen strategy, there were success stories, but there had been challenges which
emanated from various sources, their lack of commitment of management and employees, gaps in
communication, and gaps in training and motivation. The majority of the respondents elicited that
they did not take continues training regarding the philosophy, and methodologies of kaizen, there
were no adequate administrative supports, feedbacks and encouragement for smooth operation of
Kaizen. Management commitment in building and sustaining a continuous improvement culture,
clear communication channel and equitable motivational schemes including empowerment has a
great impact on the effectiveness of kaizen practices. Engaging top management in owning kaizen
and delivering training on a continuous basis for all members of the college besides to working
together with institutions specialized in kaizen plays a great role in bringing the aspired change
from kaizen.
