Continuous improvement: critical factors in Brazilian industrial companies

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this article is to identify and analyze critical factors in the development of continuous improvement (CI) activities in Brazilian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model of the relationship between practices and results was tested to identify the critical factors using a survey conducted in 46 industrial companies. Non‐parametric tests were used to test some hypotheses developed based on the literature.

Findings

The results indicate the importance of staff training in problem solution tools, incentives for suggestions, face‐to‐face communication and regular shop floor visits such as critical factors for the success of continuous improvement activities (CI). Operational practices of CI contribute to company performance in relation to improvements in productivity, quality, lead time, cost, customer satisfaction and development of employees’ skills to solve problems.

Research limitations/implications

Although the detected constructs are fairly accurate, they are still subject to improvements and new dimensions can be incorporated to them.

Practical implication

These critical factors are related to actions that encourage employees to participate in CI activities and incentive mechanisms to be able to apply identification techniques and tools successfully, as well as find solution to problems.

Originality/value

The results of this work provide a thorough understanding of the success drivers when conducting CI activities.

Citation

Oprime, P.C., Henrique de Sousa Mendes, G. and Lopes Pimenta, M. (2012), "Continuous improvement: critical factors in Brazilian industrial companies", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 61 No. 1, pp. 69-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410401211187516