Factors Affecting The Sustainability Of Kaizen Implementation In Wolkite Poly-Technique College

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess factors affecting sustainability of Kaizen implementation in Wolkite Poly-Technique College. To achieve the purpose of the study, descriptive survey design was employed. The participants of the study were 120 trainers, 7 departments‘ heads 7 shop assistance, 9 supportive, 7 core process owner and officer staff member and 6 general service coordinators of Wolkite Poly-Technique Colleges. Out of 233 target population a total of 156 respondents were included in the study. The College was selected using purposive sampling method, because it is the only College implement kaizen full and selected by Ethiopian kaizen institute(EKI) as model at that time. Trainers, department heads and shop assistance were selected by simple random sampling methods while core process owners and supportive administrative staff members were selected by purposive sampling method, because they are coordinators they have better information than worker at bottom level. Data collected from the primary sources, and secondary sources. The primary data was collected using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and observations. Secondary data were also obtained from available documents at Wolkite Poly-technique College, reports and minute to enrich the data obtained from primary source. An approach of both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were used to collect data from 131 respondents through questionnaires and from 22 informants using semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics with SPSS Version 20. Data obtained through interview and document analysis were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the research showed that the respondents has positive attitude on the benefits of kaizen implementation and there were success in Wolkite Poly-Technique College but there had been factors affecting sustainability of kaizen implementation which emanated from various sources, like gaps in knowledge of executives, trainers and employees; gaps on appropriate buildings and material resources; and gaps in the capacity and capabilities of the management body. There were no adequate administrative supports, feedbacks and encouragement for smooth operation of Kaizen. On the other hand, lack of reward and recognition was another problem to sustain the implementation. The strategies suggested should be implemented to address those affecting factors in various socio-economic contexts at different levels. Therefore, the responsible bodies should consider those findings as good lessons and effectively address the factors affecting the sustainability of kaizen identified. Thus, it is recommended that in order to be successful ,TVET Colleges should implement kaizen sustaining mechanisms as a strategy.