Barriers to the Acceptance of Continuous Improvement Methodologies in a Manufacturing Company

Ing. Martin Bodnárik

absolventská práce studenta CŽV

Abstract:

Continuous improvement methodologies are becoming more popular amongst corporations and small companies because, in this turbulent age, there is a need for flexibility and ongoing improvement initiatives. There are numerous continuous improvement methodologies for manufacturing, software development, project management, and other industries. Even though the methodologies can be an effective way for the overall improvement of operations, the implementation itself is challenging and requires full commitment from all employees. Common barriers are lack of management support, wrong implementation approach, lack of employee involvement and training, or incorrect expectations and motivation. A crucial aspect for the success of continuous improvement methodology is the acceptance of philosophy by the employees. The thesis evaluates the perception of the Six Sigma methodology by analysing structured interviews with professionals from manufacturing company with a high level of continuous improvement culture and management support of such initiatives.

Abstract:

Continuous improvement methodologies are becoming more popular amongst corporations and small companies because, in this turbulent age, there is a need for flexibility and ongoing improvement initiatives. There are numerous continuous improvement methodologies for manufacturing, software development, project management, and other industries. Even though the methodologies can be an effective way for the overall improvement of operations, the implementation itself is challenging and requires full commitment from all employees. Common barriers are lack of management support, wrong implementation approach, lack of employee involvement and training, or incorrect expectations and motivation. A crucial aspect for the success of continuous improvement methodology is the acceptance of philosophy by the employees. The thesis evaluates the perception of the Six Sigma methodology by analysing structured interviews with professionals from manufacturing company with a high level of continuous improvement culture and management support of such initiatives.

Keywords

Continuous improvement, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Theory of constrain, Total quality management, Barriers, Lean, Acceptance, Manufacturing

Keywords

Six Sigma, Lean, Continuous improvement, Manufacturing, Total quality management, Barriers, Acceptance, Kaizen, Theory of constrain

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 4. 5. 2023

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Ing. Eva Jarošová, CSc.
• Reader: Pavel Dub, externi

ŠKODA AUTO a.s.

ŠKODA AUTO VYSOKÁ ŠKOLA o.p.s.

celoživotní:
Master of Business Administration