Continuous Quality Improvement as an Important Factor of Innovation Strategies And Lean Management

Abstract

Research question (RQ): Does an effective system of innovative activity and lean management
have a significant impact on continuous improvement of quality and consequently the performance
of the organization? What are the positive effects of continuous quality improvement as an
important factor in innovation and lean management?
Purpose: In order to survive on the daily evolving world market it is extremely important for
organizations to recognize positive effects of continuous quality improvement, for this is an
important part of innovation strategy and lean management. Employees are a very important part
of the organization since they are involved in daily processes and therefore know them best. The
concept of lean management, which is based on eliminating any kind of loss in the organization,
and strategy of innovative activity are both complementary factors in achieving continuous quality
improvement, since recognition of it can achieve greater positive effects.
Method: Analysis of the Internet articles of the last five years on the topic of innovation and lean
management, as well as using the electronic resource EBSCOhost and other professional journals.
Results: Findings show significant positive effects of innovative activity and lean management, so
it is imperative for the organization to be aware of the importance of both strategies and
continuous improvement of quality as one of their key factors.
Organization: Continuous improvement of processes and products is an important part of
innovative activity and one of the cornerstones of lean mnanagement, so it is important that the
management of the organization ensure its effective implementation and encourage employees to
cooperate, as it is the only way to contribute to the process and the organization efficiency.
Society: This article deals with a topic that is always relevant, because continuous improvement of
quality is an important factor in the success of the organization, and is certainly important for the
environment where it is situated.
Originality: We found only one article which deals with innovation and lean management as
complementary strategies. There are many articles dealing with innovation, and we found quite a
few about lean management, but articles that discuss both strategies together are practically nonexistent.
Limitations/Further research: It would be interesting to investigate motivation of employees to
continuously improve quality, as well as effects of rewarding for participation in these activities.
The research was carried out only on the basis of a few domestic and foreign articles that we have
found about the matter.