CIF vs. MP Continuous Improvement Firm vs. Mass Production Company     MP CIF Strategic advantage Large volume of homogenous output Production flexibility Workforce Narrow specialization Multi-skilled Output based on Forecasted demand Real demand Productivity success factors Quality of management; its ability to plan and to direct the implementation of those plans The ability of the entire work force, not just management, to constantly improve both the product and the processes whereby it is produced   Different Goals The ultimate competitive goal of the Continuous Improvement Firm (CIF) is the ability to produce consumer goods on a custom basis for immediate delivery at costs lower than those featured by standard MP firms. The key to achieving this flexibility and lower costs lies in the generalization of the work force. Different Approach to Kaizen "Kaizen" (continuous improvement) means quite different things in Japan and the West. In Japan, "kaizen" is a journey that focuses on people – it calls to start any improvement with yourself and then improve everything around you. In the West, "kaizen" is narrowly focused on improving processes.   Efficient Effetiveness Kaizen and TQM Kaizen and Lean Production 6Ws of the Kaizen Wheel Kaizen and Management Kaizen and Innovation Kaizen Implementation 7 Conditions   Learn   Continuous Improvement   Teach