Advanced Course Unit 1 - Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement This Experience focuses on continuous improvement a set of tasks or activities to bring gradual|ongoing improvement to yourself|products|services|quality or processes. The belief behind this concept is that incremental changes through intentional planning lead to substantial improvements. Continuous improvement is also known as “kaizen,” which is the Japanese word that means “change for better.” Five Essential Elements support continuous improvement|all of which are associated with the “Technical Skills Grounded in Academics” component of the SkillsUSA Framework. Computer and Technology Literacy: These are the skills needed in an ongoing process to effectively manage data|find innovative ways to make workplace tasks and processes more efficient and determine the reliability of information found online. Job-Specific Skills: These skills focus on finding incremental ways to build confidence in your abilities|teach others|seek help when you need it and make decisions that improve performance. Cumulatively|job-specific skills really add up! Safety and Health: Building safety and health-related skills involves finding small|consistent ways to prevent disease|improve the way you eat and stay in shape. It also includes building a strong peer network|observing safety and health policies to strengthen productivity and help others thrive and following safety procedures. Service Orientation: This skill involves responding to internal and external customers|demonstrating focus and presence and attending to personal matters outside the workplace to make continuous improvements. Professional Development: This includes an ongoing commitment — and demonstration of openness — to learn|grow and change|as well as the ability to find and use appropriate resources|manage your personal career and work toward licensing and certification requirements.