What does the concept of "continuous improvement" refer to?

The concept of "continuous improvement" refers to an ongoing effort to enhance products, services, or processes over time. This principle is foundational in quality management and is aimed at incremental improvements that lead to higher efficiency, reduced waste, and greater customer satisfaction. It aligns with methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management, which emphasize the importance of regularly assessing and refining processes to achieve better outcomes.

Continuous improvement is not a one-time activity but rather a persistent endeavor that involves everyone in an organization. It encourages a culture of reflection and adaptation where employees at all levels identify areas for improvement and contribute ideas for making systems and processes more effective.

While employing new technologies, implementing strict quality controls, and training employees can be components of a continuous improvement strategy, they do not fully encapsulate the broader principle of ongoing enhancement that defines continuous improvement itself.