Application of Toyota Way Incorporating Kaizen, Kaikaku and 5S in Agricultural Sector

A noble operational framework – 2K5S, a modified form of Toyota production system (TPS) incorporating Kaizen, Kaikaku and 5S is introduced in this paper. Kaizen is continuous improvement concept implementing a small step at a time to produce a small or moderate improvement in productivity. Kaikaku is a moderate innovative approach implementing new work method or means to produce a drastic improvement in productivity by eliminating wastes at the same time. The 2K5S is then implemented in the operations of a pineapple farm and a series of case studies are conducted. The outcomes of the case studies have revealed that through the introduction and implementation of the 2K5S operational framework, some significant organisational improvements have been witnessed. Apart from significantly increment in productivity, other advantages achieved including increasing in effectiveness and efficiency in the operational processes, improved visual management of the process, improved operational health and safety and morale of the workers, improved housekeeping, waste elimination and process standardization. The outcomes of this study have demonstrated that 2K5S is a powerful and practical operational framework model which is applicable for agricultural organisation. Keywords: Toyota production system (TPS), 2K5S, Kaizen, Kaikaku, 5S, continuous improvement, agricultural sector.