Why Continuous Improvement Programs Fail in the Egyptian Manufacturing Organizations? A Research Study of the Evidence

The purpose of this paper is to present the core variables derived from literature that contributes to the failure of continuous improvement (CI) programs in the Egyptian manufacturing industry. The approach used is to find the previous literature reviews of the problem, group the variables affecting the problem, develop the research model and theoretical frameworks, and test the variables through a survey using the appropriate scale and measurements. From the data measurements and analysis, continuous improvement programs can fail due to multi factors; they can be grouped under six themes: strategic planning, change management, knowledge management, performance measurement, CI performance & sustainability, and motivation. The research is limited to the manufacturing industry. Continuous improvement programs/initiatives defined for the purpose of the study as TQM, Lean, Six Sigma, and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. The value of this research is to create awareness for the manufacturing organizations about the requirements of change in the form of CI implementation.