Achieving operational resilience through kaizen practice: a case in a commercial livestock farm in Nigeria
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Emerald Publishing Limited
Abstract
Description
Purpose – This study is focused on achieving operational resilience through the practices of kaizen across the
operational structure. The research is based on a case study of a commercial livestock farm in Nigeria. The
study views the practice of kaizen from the perspective of the commitment of the members of the case study
organisation who are directly involved with the operations of the organisation.
Design/methodology/approach – The study applies a qualitative approach to explore the topic, engaging
members of the case study organisation in the research to gather relevant data on the implementation of kaizen
practices and the drive to attain resilience in the case study organisation. Semi-structured personal interviews
and workshops were used for data collection. The study adopts systems theory to explore the topic, identifying
and engaging relevant stakeholders.
Findings – Parts of the findings relating to kaizen are the issues with the livestock production process,
aggressive leadership and the issue of livestock mortality in the case study organisation. These were discussed
based on extant literature. The study affirms the importance of organisational members’ commitment and
adequate leadership support to achieve sustainable kaizen practices. The study highlights the need to align
kaizen practices with relevant organisational practices, such as reward systems and contextual requirements
for its implementation in an operational process. The study suggests that further study can focus on the
dynamics of the legal system on the implementation of kaizen, especially from a developing economic
background like Nigeria, where this study was conducted.
Originality/value – The study projects learning about the spatial factors that can affect the practices of
kaizen in critical sectors like livestock management
Keywords
H Social Sciences (General), HB Economic Theory