Kaizen Desk Reference Standard

This is the first complete step-by-step guide for doing Kaizen. It includes a fully described case example of an actual Kaizen event. It explains, in detail, how to evaluate opportunities, prepare for events, build and lead Kaizen teams, make and measure business improvements, and follow up on events so that the benefits they produce sustain. Its methodology has been proven in over 150 Kaizen events conducted worldwide. Purchase of the print book from Amazon allows you to download free this book in PDF format and the newest version of the Kaizen Tool Kit, a set of 62 electronic tools that support your success. The tool kit includes decision aids, planning guides, announcements, guides for evaluating work processes and developing improvement ideas, spreadsheets for calculating findings and results, and formats for presenting outcomes, creating leave-behind measures, and mining learning from events.

Raphael L. Vitalo received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He has authored over 50 professional articles, technical reports, and chapters in the areas of psychology, organizational consulting, work process improvement, information systems, and artificial intelligence. Over his 20 years of consulting experience, he has designed, managed, and implemented over 350 projects serving public and private companies in the areas of organizational effectiveness, performance management, workforce productivity, business process reengineering, knowledge engineering, information systems design, and expert systems development. Dr. Vitalo has trained Kaizen leaders in the United States and Europe. He is currently the president of Vital Enterprises.

Frank Butz is Senior Tool Expert for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., a global supplier of industrial gases and chemicals. He has been implementing Kaizen since 1997 and has conducted over 100 Kaizen events. In addition, he has developed and implemented a comprehensive training and certification program which, to date, has prepared more than 60 Kaizen leaders for his company. Mr. Butz is also a tool expert in workplace organization and visual controls and total productivity management and has consulted with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center on the application of Kaizen and other lean manufacturing methodologies.

Joseph P. Vitalo is a certified Kaizen leader and trainer who is also trained in demand flow technology and workplace organization and visual controls. He has planned and led Kaizen Events in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom. His last 22 events produced total annualized savings of $1.8 million. He has co-led Kaizen leader training events which have prepared more than 30 new Kaizen leaders. Mr. Vitalo is currently a consultant and trainer with Vital Enterprises.