SME releases fieldbook on Kaizen methodology.

Press Release Summary:



Kaizen Event Fieldbook: Foundation, Framework, & Standard Work for Effective Events details strategies, tools, and techniques necessary for conducting effective lean events. It provides tool for teaching and engaging employees at all levels as company seeks to institute/sustain changes. Written by Mark R. Hamel, book answers needs of newly engaged and experienced lean practitioners, providing readers with understanding of essential facts on conducting effective kaizen events.



Original Press Release:



SME Releases New Book - "Kaizen Event Fieldbook"



Focus on Kaizen Methodology is Applicable to Any Industry

DEARBORN, Mich., October 26, 2009 - The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announces the release of "Kaizen Event Fieldbook: Foundation, Framework & Standard Work for Effective Events" which details the strategies, tools and techniques necessary for conducting effective lean events.

Kaizen event effectiveness is a prerequisite for lean transformation success. While the engine of any lean transformation is people, the kaizen event is the primary vehicle for engaging their hearts and minds. The Fieldbook is a tool for teaching and engaging employees at all levels as a company seeks to institute and sustain changes.

"Ineffective kaizen events induce unnecessary suffering and can quickly derail lean implementation," says Arthur Byrne, operating partner of J.W. Childs Associates. "The Fieldbook positions both the practitioner and the lean leader to work a lot smarter and more effectively."

Written by Mark R. Hamel, a renowned lean six sigma implementation consultant, the book was designed to answer the needs of both the newly engaged and the experienced lean practitioner. Readers will get an understanding of the essential "whys" and "hows" of conducting effective kaizen events.

"Executing effective kaizens is always a challenge," says Richard Levesque, vice president and general manager, professional division, MAAX U.S. Corporation. "This book will benefit not only the new adopters of lean, but also the early adopters who require 'back to basic' understanding of how to effectively drive change."

Julie DeWane, VP global supply chain, GE Security agrees. "Mark Hamel reveals the 'tricks of the trade' for leading effective kaizen events and emphasizes the importance of understanding and mastering the emotional element to influence and engage employees at every level, which is critical to creating a lean culture."

The Fieldbook reviews the foundation required for implementing a successful kaizen event - from the initial strategy development to the event execution to the follow-through.

Linford Stiles, chairman and CEO, Stiles Associates, summarizes: "Applicable to any industry, the Fieldbook shows you what kaizen looks like when done properly."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark R. Hamel is a lean six-sigma implementation consultant and has played a transformative role in lean implementations across a broad range of industries such as aerospace and defense, automotive, building products, business services, durable goods, healthcare and transportation services. He has facilitated hundreds of kaizen events and conducted numerous training sessions and workshops. He holds a BS in Mathematics from Trinity College, a MS in Professional Accounting from the University of Hartford and a MA in Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Hamel is Juran certified as a six-sigma black belt and assisted in the development of the SME/AME/Shingo Lean Certification program.

Published by SME, 2009, Author Mark R. Hamel, 272 pages, hardcover, ISBN 13:978-0-87263-863-1, Product ID: BK09PUB16, Book Price: $50, SME Member Price: $45. Order online at: www.sme.org/cgi-bin/get-item.pl?BK09PUB16&2&SME& or call 800.733.4763. Outside the U.S. and Canada, call: 313.425.3000, ext. 4500. Purchase order or check - mail order request to Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Resource Center, P.O. Box 6028, Dearborn, MI, 48121, or fax to 313.425.3401.

To request a review copy, please e-mail publications@sme.org.

ABOUT SME:

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events and activities, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, motor vehicles, including motorsports, and oil and gas. A 501(c)3 organization, SME has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of technical communities and chapters worldwide.

Contact:

Lori Ann Dick, APR

Senior PR Representative

communications@sme.org

313.425.3187

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