Nation to launch Kaizen programmes in universities

The Ethiopian Kaizen Institute (EKI) has announced plan to launch Kaizen programmes in Bachelor, Master’s and PhD levels in universities.

Speaking at a panel discussion organized to share best experiences gained in the implementation of Kaizen, Institute Director General Getahun Tadesse said preparatory works including curriculum for TVET institutions are in progress to launch the programme.

“We are pushing ahead to finalize the preparatory works in 2009 and start the implementation soon,” Getahun added.

As an instrument against maladministration and corruption, it is expected that launching Kaizen programmes will contribute significantly to the nationwide efforts.

Over the past four years, 425 institutions have succeeded in implementing the Kaizen leadership philosophy which resulted in saving over 2.1 billion Birr.

The institute is now planning to set up Kaizen institutes throughout the nation. It also plans to organize Kaizen forums in different parts of the country this month.

JICA Ethiopia Chief Representative Kimiaki Jin also said Ethiopia is implementing Kaizen philosophy in a better way since its introduction four years back.

Kimiaki said Ethiopia has huge human resource that needs to be trained in helping improve the management system.

It was indicated that through the Kaizen leadership philosophy, African nations like Ethiopia want to promote manufacturing and economic transformation.

The Japanese government has continued to provide support to Ethiopia and set the country as a role model for other African countries for its better achievement in implementing Kaizen.