Comparative assessment of process improvement methodologies: a case study in the South African clothing industry.

There are a number of process improvement methodologies that can be applied in business. However, the leadership of organizations seems to favour the adoption of a methodology with which they are familiar. It is then assumed that if a specific methodology is used business problems experienced would be solved. The question then becomes, how does one choose what would be best for the situation? What methodology fits the culture of the organization? Many process improvement methodologies appear to conflict with each other or at least downplay the contribution of other methodologies. This variety of tools, techniques and philosophies creates the illusion of conflicting strategies. In this paper a comparison is provided between four improvement strategies. Some case study results from the South African clothing manufacturing industry are provided.