The course has been divided into several modules, and follow the same sequence as an actual event.

Module I will first discuss the roles and responsibilities of the various participants: the team leader, the co-leader, the coordinator, the process owner, the mentor and of course the team members. A good understanding of everyone’s role is key to achieving maximum benefit in the short amount of time available.

Module II is also important for success: understanding all of the actions that need to be completed before the Kaizen event even starts. We’ll be providing you with a number of checklists as well, to keep things from “falling through the cracks”.

Module III covers the process that occurs during the Kaizen event itself, including regular review sessions, tips for keeping the team focused, and how to resolve difficulties.

Module IV presents how to prepare the formal Kaizen final report, or what we call the “report-out” to management. A consistent formal will help to ensure that all of the necessary elements have been included, and will make the presentation easier to understand.

Module V discusses what to do after the Kaizen event is over. Follow-up is critical for long-term success, and there is always something that needs to be followed up on.

Let’s now take a quick look at the hands-on activities that we’ll be doing over the next few days.