Final answer:
Kaizen is implemented through a cyclical process known as the PDCA cycle, including Plan, Do, Check, and Act stages, involving employee involvement and management commitment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Implementing Kaizen in a company involves a continuous, cyclical process of improvement. The four main factors in the Kaizen cycle include: Plan, Do, Check, and Act. These stages constitute the general cycle pattern known as the PDCA cycle or Deming Wheel.
- Plan: Identify the problem or opportunity, and develop hypotheses about what changes might improve performance.
- Do: Implement the changes on a small scale to test their effect.
- Check: Assess the results of the tests to see if the expected improvements occurred.
- Act: If the changes were successful, implement them on a wider scale. If not, begin the cycle again with a revised plan.
This process requires major reactants or key elements such as employee involvement, continuous feedback, and commitment by management to truly embrace and sustain the Kaizen culture of continuous improvement.