Which operational principle emphasizes continuous improvement in processes and products?

The emphasis on continuous improvement in processes and products aligns with the concept of Kaizen. This Japanese term translates to "change for better," and it encapsulates a philosophy that promotes small, incremental changes routinely to improve efficiency, quality, and overall performance. In an operational context, Kaizen involves empowering all employees to contribute to improvements, encouraging a culture where everyone is involved in identifying and resolving issues.

This principle is often associated with the broader practices of Lean management, which aim to minimize waste while maximizing productivity. While Lean Thinking and Kaizen share similar goals of improving processes, Kaizen specifically focuses on the ongoing, incremental changes rather than the overarching methodology of Lean itself.

Poka-Yoke, on the other hand, refers to mistake-proofing processes to prevent errors, and Value Stream Mapping is a tool used to visualize and analyze the flow of materials and information. These concepts support operational improvements but do not specifically target the ongoing nature of continuous improvement as Kaizen does.