What is not a focus of continuous improvement practices?

Continuous improvement practices, often associated with methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, prioritize the ongoing enhancement of processes and systems within an organization. The primary focus of continuous improvement is to create an environment that encourages every employee to contribute ideas for enhancements, which leads to incremental improvements over time.

Minimizing employee involvement contradicts the core tenets of continuous improvement. Engaging employees at all levels is crucial because those who work directly with processes often have valuable insights that can lead to better efficiency and effectiveness. Their involvement fosters a culture of collaboration and ownership, which is essential for sustained improvement.

In contrast, the other options align with the principles of continuous improvement. Incremental enhancements are a hallmark of the approach, as small, consistent changes accumulate to create significant overall improvements. Making breakthrough improvements is also recognized in the context of continuous improvement, though it is often achieved through the cumulative effect of incremental changes. Additionally, consistent evaluation of products and services is vital for identifying areas that need improvement and ensuring that the quality aligns with customer expectations. This ongoing assessment is what drives the cycle of continuous refinement and growth in organizations.