The Efect of Kaizen on Performance: Evidence from Manufacturing Enterprises in Ghana

Abstract

Between 2012 and 2017, a number of manufacturing enterprises of varying sizes in Ghana participated in a programme that trained and guided them to implement Kaizen practices with the objective of improving their productivity and performance. This study sought to evaluate the impact of the programme by mainly using the difference-in-difference method. The results show that the programme led to a positive and significant impact on FM performance, particularly with respect to sales and profts, and for some of the frms, an improvement in labour productivity as well. We found further that whether a FM experienced this impact appears to depend on the size of the FM and the calibre of the consultant who delivered the training. The Findings generally suggest that an extensive promotion of Kaizen as a management technique among a broad spectrum of manufacturing enterprises could yield substantial benefits for the enterprises and the national economy