Which term describes continuous improvement involving everyone to identify and eliminate waste in machinery, labor, or production methods?

• A. Kaizen
• B. Lean production
• C. Kanban
• D. Level schedule

Answer: (A)

Kaizen is the practice of continuous improvement involving everyone to identify and eliminate waste in machinery, labor, or production methods. It centers on small, ongoing changes driven by workers at all levels, using everyday problem-solving and PDCA cycles to refine processes, reduce muda (waste), and improve quality and efficiency over time. In this view, the focus isn’t just on big strategic moves but on steady, inclusive improvements that accumulate. Lean production is the broader system aimed at delivering value with minimal waste, while Kanban is a scheduling method to control flow, and a level schedule smooths production to balance demand. Kaizen specifically captures the ongoing, all-hands improvement mindset.