AJMS

1. *Corresponding Author: Md. Zahid Hasan, Email: zahidipe13@gmail.com
CASE STUDY
Available Online at www.ajms.in
Asian Journal of Mathematical Sciences 2017; 1(6):234-240
Personal Skill development by Applying ‘KAIZEN’: An Experimental Case Study
Md. Zahid Hasan*1
, Abir Dutta2
*1,2
Dept. of Industrial & Production Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering &
Technology, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
Receivedon:20/11/2017,Revisedon:05/12/2017,Acceptedon:31/12/2017
ABSTRACT
This study mainly focused on developing skills on different field of perspective like software-based skills
and interpersonal skills which will help an individual to become more proactive and efficient in their
desired job field. In our memorizing based educational system students are not encouraged to learn new
skills like software-based skills and interpersonal skills which are very much important to become expert
and qualified individual in the corporate & competitive job field. Our aim was to develop an effective
method which will help the students to learn these necessary skills besides their regular course related
study. We focused on using this method by approaching on a gradual step by step procedure & developed
it to solve our problem. It will save the time of the students and also make their fundamental knowledge
strong on different software. We conducted a survey among the students from our university and got a
satisfactory response from them. Most of them were looking for an effective process of learning without
harming regular studies. This method will obviously help the students of our country to improve skills
besides regular studies in a more effective way to be expert in their own field of specialization.
Keywords: Skill, Quality, KAIZEN, PDCA cycle.
INTRODUCTION
Our educational system is mainly theoretical based which emphasizes basically on memorizing the
lessons, writing these alike written in books & getting good marks. The courses do not aim to develop our
interpersonal skills [1]
which are very important for the job environment. Although, some practical
courses and lab facilities are provided by Universities these aren’t sufficient enough to keep pace with the
rapidly growing High-Tech industrialized world. In the 21𝑠𝑡
century, the modern world is witnessing the
technological revolutions in the industries but our traditional curriculum is not updating to meet the
demand of technology. So, we can’t obtain the updated technological knowledge from our traditional
curriculum. As well as, our lab equipment are not advanced enough to provide sufficient practical
knowledge of the modern technology. We are learning to operate & work with the dilapidated
instruments & machineries which are not used in the Industries now. For example, we are learning the
traditional machine tools in our “Machine shop” where the Industries use CNC (Computer Numerical
Control) Lathe, Drill, and Mill etc. machines. We make drawings & drifting by hand on the drawing
sheets where the industries use updated powerful software like CATIA, Siemens NX, Pro-Engineers, and
Autodesk Inventor etc. As an Engineer, some specialized qualities must be possessed. The industries &
organizations require many highly skilled engineers. If they have no idea about practical work sphere
then they can’t show better performance. Only theoretical knowledge can’t make anyone highly skilled
Engineer. In practical & corporate life, they have to face many critical situations, work with very
complex projects, and handle the equipment (Man, Machine, Money, Materials) in a smart way. If they
have Software based & Interpersonal skills they can:
 Complete the task in a short time using software
 Work in a smart way
 Solve problems very easily & efficiently with software

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 Handle data & process information easily & accurately
 Get a perfect solution from software.
 Handle situations easily by decision making skills
 Communicate with others very smartly by verbal & non-verbal communication skills.
 Work in a team efficiently by team working skills.
 Handle the employees in a smarter way.
 Can deal with buyers & other companies smartly.
All industries and organizations desire to get Employees who have characteristics & standard mentioned
above. These characteristics will fulfill their satisfaction level & so, definitely skills are identified as
quality [2]
. In our methodology, we had to do a Hypothesis that we can make ourselves highly skilled &
qualified by approaching through a specific process. First, we found out what skills are most important
for an Industrial Engineer. Then, we built a ranking of the skills on the basis of importance. Then we
constructed a way that what we learnt to practice with real life application. For example, we were taught
“Probability & Statistics” course but it was fully theoretical & in our work arena we have to imply it
smartly & within short time. In this case, we have to learn to work with some software which is very
powerful and popular in solving statistical problems. Such as, MATLAB, MINITAB, Microsoft Excel
etc. We learnt those software’s through our applied process. We used this software to solve the reference
books problems & took more assignments from our Teachers which are similar to problems will be faced
by us in the practical workspace. Then we performed some group works & arrange presentations of our
innovative works regarding the particular software. We arranged some contests. It was very much
effective to learn how to perform activities more smartly using these software. Then we formed a club of
these activities then we can perform the group learning process, presentations & contests in a properly
organized way which also builds up leadership, co-operation and confidence etc. qualities among us.
Kaizen is a Japanese hybrid word. “Kai” means change and “Zen” means good. Basically, Kaizen is for
small incremental improvements, but carried out on a continual basis. According to Imai (1986),
“KAIZEN” is the key to improve through Competitive Success [3]
. Moreover, it means continuing
improvement in personal life, home life, social life and working life [4]
. Skills are necessary qualities for a
student. Quality is anything that can be improved, and that needs improvement. Kaizen is a process which
leads someone to a permanent improvement gradually. Various skills are difficult to develop besides
traditional courses of the university. But, there are almost 4 years which is enough time for a student to
develop certain skills regarding which field he wants to be specialized. So, Applying Kaizen from the
beginning it will be very easy for any student who have passion for something and want to dominate in
the career as well as in the research field. It will be continued besides studies for a long time. So, regular
study will not be hampered. It is a sustainable way because, skills will be developed continuously &
everything will be understood what is being learnt. By working in software, basic theoretical clear
concepts will be achieved. So, result will be improved in University exams. Research capability will be
increased. Imagination power & problem- solving capability within a short time will be improved. Job
opportunity will be highly increased. In the job sector, higher authority will be impressed. So, getting
promotions will become easier. We have applied kaizen which is a continuous improving strategy
towards a large achievement permanently. PDCA cycle is very important for the students because most of
them don’t know about the software [5]
. So, first they have to be motivated for software learning. Some
questions may arise “Is it very hard? Can I become expert? Will my studies be hampered?” and etc. So, if
we think about an efficient way without affecting our regular studies then Kaizen is Optimum choice for
all. We made survey among 100 students & 100% of them agreed to follow our process. Before our
methodology, those who wanted to become skilled and get better jobs went to the training centers for
learning software. It was costly. Moreover, a huge time was killed after passing. Remaining unemployed
after passing an Engineering course is not seems good. But, in our method the 4 years of study period will
be properly used & it is not so costly because everyone will learn by co-operating each other. This PDCA
cycle process is very structured method & what should have done is early instructed. Instruction of
learning from tutorial efficiently was also given. Self-learning capability is very must important for
engineers. So, time for developing own strategy & imagination power is enough. As a result, a large
amount of research works will be possible. This will increase our potentialities for higher studies abroad.
Finally, Job opportunity will be increased and better jobs will be offered after passing University.

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METHODOLOGY
KAIZEN aims at reducing losses in the practical work sphere and affect work efficiencies. By using a
detailed and through procedure one can eliminate losses in a systematic manner using various Kaizen
tools. These activities are not limited to production areas alone, but can be implemented in administrative
areas as well.
The PDCA cycle is a checklist of the four stages which one must go through to get from “problem-faced”
to “problem solved”. It is also known as Shewhart cycle. It is a continuous quality improvement model
consisting out of a logical sequence of four repetitive steps for continuous improvement and learning. The
four stages are:
1. Plan: Clarify objectives, Identify possible causes, Benchmark best practise.
2. Do: Carry out trials, Analysis data to find how problem occurs, Find possible solutions.
3. Check: Verify results, Training, Communication.
4. Act: Review, Feedback, Make corrections, Presentations.
We have applied PDCA cycle process to develop both Software based skill & Interpersonal skill. The
whole process of PDCA cycle of different skill development is discussed below:
Developed Software based skills: We have applied PDCA cycle process do develop software-based skills
in a structured & sustainable method. If anyone follows the algorithm shown in the flowchart he will reach
the highest satisfaction level of expectation.
a) Course related software
b) Professional Software
Instructions:
 First to learn software motivation level must be high because it is very hard to learn these besides
university courses.
 Tutorials must be watched and understood properly.
 Must not harm studies to learn these so leisure time should be chosen for learning.
 Must Practice regularly at least for a minimum favourable time.
 Teachers should be informed that you are learning those software’s.
 Imagination power must be increased.
 Should not waste the holidays. It is high time to make researches & new innovative solutions or
projects.
 Must be developed a smarter way to solve problems of your own.
Sequences for learning from tutorials:
 Collect tutorials or download it & arrange in a proper sequence. It will depend up to which level
you want to learn.
 Watch full tutorial first thoroughly & then do just like
 Then try to realize why it is done in that way.
 Complete the full series in the same way.
 Then try to do solve problems in the software.
 Before solving problems read corresponding theoretical lessons and make clear the concept.
 Practice more and more.
 Imagine about developing own way that will take less time than tutorials.
 Try to find out real life problems and solve it with the software.
 Try to make hypothesis to solve more complex problems.
Develop Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills are which are important for personal growth and
professional improvement. For example: verbal & non-verbal communication, negotiation, problem
solving, decision making and team work etc. These skills can be developed by following some sequential
steps we discussed here in the algorithm. By applying this method gradually, one can develop those skills
day by day. Firstly, planning is important for developing those skills to identify in which field one wants
improve his interpersonal skills. Then by interacting and co-operating with others day by day one can
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improve those skills. Then to justify he/she can take part different industrial case study or meeting to check
the progress his skill. Finally, one can implement his skills fully in a new industrial environment or
corporate field to prove him more efficient.
Instructions:
 First of all, set a new mind-set for developing some basic interpersonal skills to increase personal
growth.
 Then identify oneself with new environment and condition and be open to any challenging
situation to learn new interpersonal skills and quality.
 Try to be confident in any working condition and be moderately extrovert with the people around
to increase one’s personal reputation
 Meet with people from different work sphere and share ideas and views with them to enrich
outlook and broad own view.
 Participate in different seminars and exchange own view and ideas with others to increase one’s
reputation and confidence.
 Handle any challenging situation by own integrated skill and interpersonal ability.
 Finally try to develop one day by day and always make competence with oneself to cross one’s
limits of interpersonal ability.
Fig.1: PDCA cycle process
RESULT
Our methodology was applied on about 100 students of 3rd Year, 2nd Year & 1st Year. They got positive
response from everyone. 100% students want to develop skills. 3rd year students applied PDCA cycle for
almost 3 months & they’re able to become medium level skilled in different software.
Result from course related software learning: From the data analysis, it was found most interest on Solid
works & MATLAB most among course related software. So, they applied our methodology to learn Solid
works first. A team from 3rd year started to learn by themselves from self-motivation because they had
great passion & they’re concerned on self-quality. They collected tutorials and applied PDCA cycle of
continuous learning besides their university courses & become skilled up to intermediate level. From their
Check & Act phase of PDCA cycle their juniors were become benefitted. Many students from 2nd Year &
1st year got motivated from them & start to learn those software’s. 3rd year students arranged many
seminars and presentation about their innovative works & projects. From them the juniors made
determination to learn those software’s. The responses on different software & learning are given below:
TABLE I: Sample data table
No. of Samples Course Related Software Response Rate Professional Software Response Rate
1 Solidworks 62.5% Adobe Photoshop 54.2%
2 Siemens NX 4.2% Adobe Illustrator 33.3%
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3 Catia 16.7% 3D Studio MAX 25%
4 Autodesk Inventor 20.8% Arduino 12.5%
5 MATLAB 41.7% Adobe Premier Pro 12.5%
6 CPLEX 0% Adobe
Dream weaver
20.8%
7 Master CAM 0% Blender 12.5%
8 ARENA
SIMULATION
8.3%
9 ANSYS
WORKBENCH
0%
10 Oracle Database 16.7%
11 AutoCAD 29.2%
12 LINGO 12.5%
Fig.1: Response rate from course related software learning.
A trend of software learning has started in our University. Many students found their passions & their
hidden talent in which they can make outstanding success. A number of case studies & Innovative research
papers have been made & these are ready to be submitted in various world class journals. Finally, a good
communication has been established with many professionals of different working sector from different
Industries. Thus, enthusiastic students were able to know which qualities they should obtain to get their
dream job.
Result from Interpersonal Skill Development: From survey, it was found everyone who took part in our
survey they were interested to develop all interpersonal skills they focused. They become highly
motivated to develop their interpersonal ability to improve their personal growth and self-esteem. They
found that people who are interested in our study are greatly adapted to their working environment and
efficiently handle any challenging situation. Many of them are get highly reputed in their organization for
their positive attitude towards their work. Finally, by improving these skills, they found that they
eventually satisfy the goal of our case study.
Results from professional Software learning: From the data, we found that most students want to learn
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator & 3D studio max. So, a team was formed among some interested
students. They followed PDCA cycle process and somehow managed to learn the software in a structured
way. These processes made a permanent impact in mind and they do not forget anything what learned.
They were able to make some money by freelancing to support their daily expenses.
62.50%
4.20%
16.70%
20.80%
41.70%
0% 0%
8.30%
0%
16.70%
29.20%
12.50%
Response Rate
Response Rate
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Fig.2: Response rate from professional software learning.
Those software’s’ are also very popular in job sectors and Industries. Some made a strong profile in
freelance market & they were able to satisfy their buyers. Finally, the objectives have been achieved.
Achievements:
 A team was formed among 18 students of different years to Design & manufacture a “MARS
ROVER” Robot. They were from different software skills and worked in sub teams to finish the
project successfully. Finally, they were able to Design a “MARS Rover” Robot prototype and
successfully run it in University campus. The Vice Chancellor and many Reputed Teachers were
present & they highly appreciated the work of the Team. The name of the Team was “Team
Ogrodoot”. Ogrodoot-V4 runs at The Indian Rover Challenge (IRC)-2018, organized by Creation
Labs, Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamilnadu, India and achieved the 6th
position.
 The news was published in some famous daily newspapers on 2nd January 2017. The team is
aiming participation “University Rover Challenge” contest which will be arranged by the ‘Mars
Society’ in Utah, USA.
 Another Team named “Team Crack Platoon” they have already participated in various national
and international competitions organized in home and abroad with prestigious recognitions.
 They are the Regional Champion of Youth Fest 2016, Rajshahi.
 The team had been selected for the first round of Valeo Innovation Challenge 2016, France
among 500 ideas from all over the world.
 They were also qualified as the second-round participant of SHELL ECO-MARATHON ASIA
2016, was held in Singapore.
 The team went to Quad Bike Design Challenge, India2016 as the final round participant. That
competition was organized by Fraternity of Mechanical and Automotive Engineers.
 Many students are participating in various debate contests & achieving prestigious awards.
 A contest named “Robolution-2k17” was held in Military Institute of Science & Technology
(MIST) & a student from 2nd year stood 2nd Runner up in Solidworks Design Contest.
 Many organizations are seeking volunteers from our University for their important functions.
CONCLUSION
We structured this methodology as suitable for our Quality improvement. We gathered voice from students
from different perspective and have got different ideas and point of views to enrich our methods. As our
study is currently in experimental state only in our university so we can’t predict that our perfection level
is high yet. But as we improving our method gradually on a daily basis we hope that in near future this
method will be much popular among the university students of our country and this will make highly
qualified manpower in the field of engineering and technology of our country. Thus, our country will
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
Response rate
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develop by research and new invention. Our students will get better opportunities for going abroad for
higher studies & make outstanding contribution in their field of interest.
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3. Narayanamurthy, Gopalakrishnan, et al. "Assessing the readiness to implement lean in healthcare
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