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Prácticas de mejora continua, con enfoque Kaizen, en empresas del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito: Un estudio exploratorio

Continuous improvement practices with Kaizen approach in companies of the metropolitan district of Quito: An exploratory study

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DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.3926/ic.901

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Abstract (2. Language): 
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the practice of continuous improvement in medium and large manufacturing companies and services of the Metropolitan District of Quito (DMQ); examine the benefits and difficulties in sustaining continuous improvement; and, to study the participation of the different hierarchical organizational levels in the practice of continuous improvement. Design/methodology: An exploratory study was conducted. They were selected, medium and large companies, both manufacturing and services of the DMQ. Qualitative methods used to obtain the data were: direct observation, document analysis and interviews with semi-structured depth.Findings: The results show a preference for the use of simpler techniques to identify and solve problems such as the seven basic quality tools. Within this article describes in detail the enhancers and barriers that are presented in the maintenance of continuous improvement. Research limitations/implications: This article uses a qualitative methodology, so their results cannot be generalized, can only be referenced using the specific context of the companies studied. Practical implications: The study aims to have an analytical contribution. The results show economic benefits and for the human resource, considering mainly the minimization of unnecessary processes and the opportunity of professional development that is offered to the personnel, important data for those people involved in projects of continuous improvement in DMQ companies. Social implications: The conclusions have important implications for research. Continuous improvement should take into account not only economic benefits but also human factors, same that can influence the quality of life of workers. Originality/value: The paper presents empirical contributions for the literature by exposing of the implementation of the Kaizen concept in the Latin American context, Quito - Ecuador.
Abstract (Original Language): 
Objeto: El propósito de este artículo es evaluar la práctica de mejora continua en medianas y grandes empresas de manufactura y servicios del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito (DMQ); examinar los beneficios y dificultades en el sostenimiento de la mejora continua; y, estudiar la participación de los diferentes niveles jerárquicos organizacionales en la práctica de mejora continua. Diseño/metodología/enfoque: Se condujo un estudio exploratorio. Se seleccionaron medianas y grandes empresas de servicios y de manufactura del DMQ. Los métodos cualitativos utilizados para obtener los datos fueron: observación directa, análisis documental y entrevistas a profundidad semi-estructuradas. Aportaciones y resultados: Los resultados muestran una preferencia por el uso de técnicas más sencillas para identificar y solucionar problemas como las siete herramientas básicas de calidad. Dentro de este artículo se describen a detalle los elementos potenciadores y las barreras que se presentan en el mantenimiento de la mejora continua.Limitaciones: Este artículo utiliza una metodología cualitativa, por lo que sus resultados no se pueden generalizar, sólo se pueden referenciar utilizando el contexto específico de las empresas estudiadas. Implicaciones prácticas: El estudio pretende tener una aportación analítica. Los resultados evidencian beneficios económicos y para el recurso humano, considerando principalmente la minimización de procesos innecesarios y la oportunidad de desarrollo profesional que se ofrece al personal, datos importantes para aquellas personas involucradas en proyectos de mejora continua en empresas del DMQ. Implicaciones sociales: Las conclusiones tienen importantes implicaciones para la investigación. La mejora continua debe tener en cuenta no sólo los beneficios económicos, sino también los factores humanos, mismos que pueden influir en la calidad de vida del trabajador. Originalidad / Valor añadido: El trabajo presenta aportes empíricos a la literatura mediante la exposición del funcionamiento del término Kaizen en el contexto latinoamericano, Quito - Ecuador.
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