Kaizen-driven approach while managing industrial projects. A scandinavian company succeeds in Eastern Europe

Abstract

Eastern European companies have experienced various and radical transformations, as result of the economic crises and turbulences, which exposed structural weaknesses. In the meantime, long-term challenges - such as globalization, shift of power centers from the national level to international structures or scarcity of resources - intensify. Given this context, it is mandatory for companies to develop strategies aiming at being competitive. The paper aims to propose an exploratory analysis regarding a Swedish-Finnish owned company active in Romania - that was capable to build a strategic vision of its future, to define a plan for change and to implement the necessary measures for the project success. The author has conducted a study and developed a case along a project aiming at continuous improvement (Kaizen) in this company, emphasizing its main results. In order to analyze the project of implementing Kaizen methodology, the research initiative consisted both of primary and secondary research. The paper analyzes the project from the point of view of economic situation of the company and environment, time constraints, budget limitations, technical level/quality performance and risks. The central finding is that concept-oriented projects run by an advanced-country company could succeed in a less economically developed and culturally different country - even in turbulent periods and not even in highly dynamic and technologically advanced industries - if the top management is strongly committed and management team completely involved. The paper concludes with study results, as well as some lessons learnt and managerial implications - useful for future similar projects either within the company under debate or by other organizations in similar circumstances.