Continuous Improvement Policy

Purpose

The purpose of the policy approach to continuous improvement in its business processes
and practices in order to drive organisational excellence and provide stakeholder and its
employees throughout the organization.

Scope

This policy applies in the first instance to all organization Management team, including
Program leaders.

Actions and procedures generated from this policy will be implemented as part of the
organization’s broader business, project management and program management
processes

Continuous of improvement model

Continuous improvement models are implemented under an appropriate formal

framework

as agreed from time to time, utilising the various methodologies and strategies available
therefrom.

Progress on implementation and tracking of performance will be communicated to the

Board,

management team and stakeholders through the Information Management System.

Other improvement opportunities will be identified and acted upon on an opportunistic

basis, as required.

The continuous improvement model that has been chosen is Kaizen since it is an
inclusive model of continuous improvement in that opportunities for improvement are
expected to be identified by everyone from the CEO downwards – this is unsurprising
considering its ubiquity in manufacturing, where front-line workers are often best able
to spot inefficiencies in the production cycle.

Continuous improvement model and implementation

Solicit feedback – you will see the results of failing processes, but you may not
necessarily be able to identify the root causes. Solicit feedback from your team on an
ongoing basis. Make sure you’re open to suggestions about how things are being done.

Identify changing requirements - Over time your needs will change. You need to stay
aware of this, so you can change processes accordingly. Keep a list of your top
requirements to help you make better decisions on tools to use.

Staff participation and communication

We plan our most important communications so we can be purposeful and increase our
chances of achieving our outcome
We are focused on our audience and where they are coming from, not on what we think
and want to get across, so they are in the best position to hear and understand what
we’re sharing

We allow enough time for a back and forth discussion; we listen as much or sometimes
even more than we speak. We listen for what’s being said and as importantly, what’s not
being said

We are open to feedback and pose questions that facilitate this kind of interaction;
feedback is also used to frame future communications

We regularly check for understanding to confirm a shared meaning with our audience

Tools to support the continuous improvement process

 3M's – Muri, Mura, and Muda.

o This tool has been chosen since it is beneficial to the company in the sense
that it aids in the elimination of waste, overburden and unevenness.
o It ensures sound and efficient operations of the entity
 Continuous Improvement Software
o This has been chosen since supports improvement cultures throughout
every stage of their development.
o Whether you're just starting out, spreading across your organization, or
sustaining a thriving culture, improvement software is the platform you
need to succeed.

Strategies for Encouraging Staff to Participate in Continuous Improvement Decision

Making

 Give employees regular, frequent feedback.

 Create a culture of team feedback.
 Be open to employee ideas.
 Encourage employees to learn
 Ask employees for opinions.
 Build confidence.
 Tolerate occasional failure
 Recognize employees often
 Make a goals roadmap
 Ask what you can do to help

Process for Communicating the Continuous Improvement Processes and Outcomes

 Consider the Presentation

o the way the model is presented is critical to how easy it is for the
workforce to understand it
o develop a simple “placemat” format that makes it easy to organize the
best practices embedded within the model into common themes or
workflows
 Consider the Terminology
o The terminology used to develop and communicate your continuous
improvement model is critical
 o Must be easily understood
 Consider the Audience
o the messaging needs to be targeted to the audience in order to pay
particular attention to their questions and concerns
o when communicating the model to front line work teams, it’s important to
make the connection between this model and specific work-related pain
points or frustrations

Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement Manager Duties and Responsibilities

 Directs and facilitates the ongoing lean improvement process using techniques
such as Kaizen, 5’S, TPM, Kanban, Policy Deployment, etc.
 Provides lean improvement orientation and on-the-job training for teammates
and ensures that the responsibilities
 are defined and understood and oversees the lean projects.
 Teach others to lead improvement efforts, including training on effective tools for
successful project leadership.
 Identify ongoing lean improvement training needs and assist with developing
and implementing the required
 training.
 Ensure that appropriate safety and ergonomic processes and methods are being
utilized.
 Identify needs relating to improvements in safety/ergonomics and assist in
developing and implementing solutions to
 these issues.
 Establish metrics to monitor financial savings as compared to established goals
and targets.
 Develop and maintain annual value stream mapping efforts, CI plans, and
calendars.
 Provide support to external customers in support of all the Seal & Extrusion
operations value added initiatives.

Continuous Improvement Employee Duties and Responsibilities

Education

a continuous improvement specialist should have a background in statistics for

advanced techniques like statistical process capability during efficiency tests.

Skills and Experience

background in the industry in order to understand which improvement options are

feasible. Therefore, a solid understanding of applicable regulations, safety protocols,
manufacturing tolerances and related data is crucial. Employers seek candidates who
have professional certification, either in Six Sigma or in a related process-improvement
skill.

Typical duties

developing and measuring standard metrics, diagramming the flow, including inputs
and outputs, of a business process, identifying opportunities for improvement,
developing a project plan for implementing improvements and monitoring the new
process to ensure it works as intended.