Foreword by Arthur ByrneAwarded the prestigious Shingo Research and Professional Publication Award in 2010!
Kaizen event effectiveness is a prerequisite for lean transformation success. It provides the necessary transformational jump-start, momentum, organizational learning and engagement, and sustainable, step-function improvements. The systemic use of kaizen events establishes the technical and cultural foundation for principle-driven kaizen--the powerful combination of kaizen events and daily kaizen activities. The Kaizen Event Fieldbook brings this all together as an indispensable reference for lean leaders and implementers within any industry and for use at any stage within the lean implementation journey.
One of lean's defining characteristics is learning by seeing, doing, and studying. In context with lean theory and lean leadership principles, readers will gain an understanding of the essential 'whys' and 'hows' of kaizen event standard work and event management, as well as a proven means to sustain the gains. The Fieldbook's multi-phase approach addresses strategy, pre-event planning, execution, and follow-through. Practical examples, over a hundred figures and tables, and many real-life Gemba Tales provide for an enriched learning experience. Also included is a chapter on the deployment of a kaizen promotion office, a glossary, and two appendices, which offer blank forms and an overview of daily kaizen.
Mark R. Hamel is a lean six-sigma implementation consultant. He has played a transformative role in lean implementations across a broad range of industries including aerospace and defense, automotive, building products, business services, chemical, durable goods, electronics, insurance, healthcare, and transportation services. A successful lean coach to leaders and associates, he has facilitated hundreds of kaizen events and conducted numerous training sessions and workshops.
Mark's 19-year pre-consulting career encompassed executive and senior positions within operations, strategic planning, business development, and finance. His lean education and experience began in the early 1990s when he conceptualized and helped launch what resulted in a Shingo award-winning effort at the Ensign-Bickford Company. Mark holds a BS in Mathematics from Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., a MS in Professional Accounting from the University of Hartford, and a MA in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. He is a CPA in the state of Connecticut and is dual APICS: The Association for Operations Management certified in production and inventory management (CPIM) and integrated resource management (CIRM). A national Shingo Prize examiner, Mark assisted in the development of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers/Association for Manufacturing Excellence/Shingo Lean Certification exam questions. He is also Juran certified as a six -sigma black belt and a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Association for Manufacturing Excellence, and APICS: The Association for Operations Management.
