Kaizen Desk Reference Standard [Paperback]

Raphael L. Vitalo (Author), Frank Butz (Author), Joseph P. Vitalo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2003

This book is the first complete step-by-step guide for applying Kaizen. It provides detailed support for evaluating opportunities, preparing for events, building and leading Kaizen teams in improving work processes, and following up to maximize long-term business benefits. Its methodology has been proven in over 150 Kaizen events conducted in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the U.K.

Comes with the Kaizen Tool Kit, a CD-ROM containing 57 tools to support performing a Kaizen event; includes decision aids, planning guides, announcements, guides for evaluating work processes and developing improvement ideas, spreadsheets for calculating findings and results, and formats for presenting outcomes, creating leave-behind measures, and mining learning from events.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is one impressive source for learning and applying the concepts of Kaizen to any business model." -- James S. Byron, Manager, Learning and Organizational Development, PGM Groton, Pfizer Inc., April 2003

"This is the most comprehensive treatment of Kaizen that I have ever seen." -- Chris Bujak, Global Manager, Continuous Improvement, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., April 2003

About the Author

Raphael L. Vitalo received his doctorate in psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He has authored over 50 professional articles, technical reports, and chapters in the areas of psychology, organizational consulting, work process improvement, information systems, and artificial intelligence. Over his 20 years of consulting experience, he has designed, managed, and implemented over 350 projects serving public and private companies in the areas of organizational effectiveness, performance management, workforce productivity, business process reengineering, knowledge engineering, information systems design, and expert systems development. Dr. Vitalo has trained Kaizen leaders in the United States and Europe. He is currently the president of Vital Enterprises.

Frank Butz is Senior Tool Expert for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., a global supplier of industrial gases and chemicals. He has been implementing Kaizen since 1997 and has conducted over 100 Kaizen events. In addition, he has developed and implemented a comprehensive training and certification program which, to date, has prepared more than 60 Kaizen leaders for his company. Mr. Butz is also a tool expert in workplace organization and visual controls and total productivity management and has consulted with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center on the application of Kaizen and other lean manufacturing methodologies.

Joseph P. Vitalo is a certified Kaizen leader and trainer who is also trained in demand flow technology and workplace organization and visual controls. He has planned and led Kaizen Events in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom. His last 22 events produced total annualized savings of $1.8 million. He has co-led Kaizen leader training events which have prepared more than 30 new Kaizen leaders. Mr. Vitalo is currently a consultant and trainer with Vital Enterprises.

Product Details

• Paperback: 456 pages
• Publisher: Vital Enterprises (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972281045
• ISBN-13: 978-0972281041
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,070,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You too can be a Kaizen expert !, February 3, 2004

By 

Donald M Roll (Cedar Hill, MO United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kaizen Desk Reference Standard (Paperback)

All the other books tell you "about" Kaizen. This book actually shows you how to DO IT ! Step by Step methodology leaves very little to chance. The content is hugely informative and very helpful because of it's linear design. The sheer volume of guidance in this Kaizen Standard is head and shoulders above anything else I've ever gotten my hands on. The job aids and checklists really provide that extra bit of consistency I desire in an implementation. The format of the Standard is easy to follow and understand because it is not loaded up with gobs of mumbo-jumbo jargon. I truly find that the steps laid out in the..."Getting Ready"..."Doing"....and "Follow-up" format is enormously helpful and would be especially helpful to someone newly exposed to the Kaizen tool.
Bottom line....I wish I had this book seven years ago ! Super, Super reference for a Kaizen facilitator. The CD is an unexpected bonus. Truly a great package.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Step by step to make REAL improvements, May 7, 2007

By 

Leah J. Bystrom - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kaizen Desk Reference Standard (Paperback)

I like this book. It describes the process and has a process map for doing Kaizen. The flow of the chapters follows the flow of the process map. Each chapter gives a step-by-step guide for accomplishing one of the Kaizen milestones. It gives the details needed to see what to do and get it done RIGHT. Other books I've read just have concepts. Kaizen Desk Reference Standard shows you how to do Kaizen. Besides the the actual steps, it provides examples and contains forms and tools to tailor to your workplace for implementation. It's more helpful than most training I have been to. What I like best is that it points out the traps you could fall into and how to avoid them. It sets you up to succeed and make REAL improvements.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book provides much needed detailed information, June 8, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Kaizen Desk Reference Standard (Paperback)

The authors have performed a great service to those wishing to make improvements in their workplace by eliminating waste and improving efficiency. The Kaizen Desk Reference Standard provides much needed detailed information about the process and the approach to make those necessary improvements.

This reference for conducting a Kaizen event is full of very useful worksheets that structure the event. A detailed example of a simulated project is thoroughly documented providing completed worksheets demonstrating their use. Of particular interest, the text provides tips that are generously scattered throughout to help those with little experience to prepare for handling the road blocks that often occur in implementing change strategies. There are many forms that provide structure in conducting meetings, brainstorming sessions, documenting improvements, tracking changes, and taking corrective actions. As a bonus, the accompanying CD provides the templates of these forms either in PDF, M/S Word, or M/S Excel format. These useful templates are very well structured and apply to many improvement tasks attempted in the development of a high-performing organization.

Many of the resource tools demonstrated in the text apply to those trying to implement LEAN in manufacturing applications for the first time and serve to help structure a strategy for doing so. The step-by-step process demonstrated in the text combines many of the organizational and team leadership strategies to identify sources of wastes, develop process flow charts, handle team dynamics, developing consensus, identifying root causes, and documenting gains. Also, the text stresses the need for standardization of processes and the commitment of management in the process of change. Standardization requires accountability and responsible leadership in which there may be reluctance to adopt.

This text is a must read primer for anyone attempting to lead a Kaizen event or attempting to make changes within their workplace to foster the development of a high-performing organization. The step-by-step approach demonstrates a strategy that should yield greater success on the first attempt. Anyone involved in recommending change, should keep a copy of this text on their desk. It is easy to read, if full of examples, and is accompanied with a very useful selection of forms available to use for process improvements.

I would like to extend my thanks for a job well done.

James P. Wallace
Program Manager for TEEX Electronics
Regional Director for TMAC Statewide