PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Practice Exam

What is Kaizen primarily focused on?

1. Implementing large-scale changes quickly

2. Continuous improvement through small incremental changes

3. Maximizing the number of iterations in a project

4. Standardizing work processes across teams

The correct answer is: Continuous improvement through small incremental changes

Kaizen is a Japanese term that means "change for better" and emphasizes the philosophy of continuous improvement through small incremental changes. This approach is focused on making ongoing improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and productivity over time. Rather than attempting to implement large-scale changes in a short time frame, Kaizen promotes a more sustainable method of improvement where everyone in the organization is encouraged to contribute ideas, identify problems, and suggest improvements in their daily work. The essence of Kaizen lies in its iterative nature; it recognizes that small changes can lead to significant enhancements in overall processes and performance. This not only fosters a culture of continuous improvement but also encourages team involvement and ownership of the process improvements, leading to better results in the long run. In contrast, the other options reflect different concepts that do not aligned with the core principles of Kaizen. Implementing large-scale changes quickly may lead to short-term results but can neglect the incremental adjustments that build a solid foundation for long-term success. Maximizing the number of iterations in a project emphasizes speed rather than quality, neglecting the importance of careful, incremental improvement. Standardizing work processes is more about ensuring consistency and can limit flexibility and adaptability, which are key features of the Kaizen philosophy.