26 September 2009
Dubai: The Continual Improvement Subgroup (CIS), one of the subgroups functioning under the umbrella of Dubai Quality Group (DQG), is organizing the 1st Continual Improvement Symposium on Monday 28th September, at Roads and Transport Authority Auditorium - Um Alramool.

The symposium is being launched as a unique annual event to facilitate sharing, recognizing and learning from best practices and actual case studies in continual improvement by organizations in various sectors.

The theme for the first symposium is KAIZEN (Continuous Improvement).  The event will hold a live KAIZEN Blitz competition, in addition to a workshop and a keynote speech by Dr. Shrinivas Gondhalekar, who holds the only PhD in Kaizen.

Sunil Thawani, Chairman of Continual Improvement Subgroup said: "Kaizen is a well proven strategy and technique to continually improve performance of all types and sizes of organizations by involving its employees".

"We have received a good response with 58 Kaizens, from which 12 short-listed entries will be presented in a live competition during the event, giving the audience an opportunity to get a first hand learning experience of Kaizens from organizations in the UAE", said Thawani.

On his part, Prashant Nasery, Secretary General of the CIS said: "Kaizen is essentially a culture which is rooted in the workplace. Kaizen does not only focus on glamorous and fancy big improvement; small improvements are encouraged and respected as much as the big innovations. The Kaizen Blitz competition was designed and launched to create awareness of the spirit of Kaizen".  

The final winners will be decided based on the quality of Kaizens, in terms of creativity, thoroughness of implementation, learning, actual benefits as well as the performance of the contestants during the presentations and "question and answer" sessions.

The jury will consist of eminent personalities from the business environment of the UAE who have vast experience in their respective fields.

This year, the symposium is sponsored by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Jumeirah Group, Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Center (ADSIC) and Kanoo Travel. Through such collaborations, the sponsors seek to develop their personnel and staff, which would stimulate the spirit of creativity and innovation, and to find methods and integrated solutions for the modern variables.

The CIS intends to organize similar events as a part of its annual calendar. CIS is planning another event on 12th November 2009, marking the occasion of "World Quality Day". This event will include the second "Quality Quiz Competition", which was a grand success on the same occasion last year.

Dubai Quality Group frequently organizes such knowledge sharing opportunities for the business community, in line with its goal to promote quality and excellence in the business community.

The group extends partnership opportunities to companies and individuals who are interested in exchanging ideas, information and expertise with the aim of achieving excellence.

Worth mentioning that Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is responsible for planning and providing the requirements of transport, roads & traffic in the Emirate of Dubai, and between Dubai and other Emirates of the UAE, neighboring countries in order to provide an effective & an integrated transport system capable of achieving Dubai's vision & serving the vital interests of the Emirate.

RTA prepares legislation and develops integrated solutions for road systems, land and sea transport systems to be safe for users, and keep pace with overall economic development plans set by the Government of Dubai, in line with the highest international standards.

On its part, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The Group's activities are, however, not restricted to hotel and resort management. The Jumeirah Group portfolio also includes Jumeirah Living, The Taste Department, Wild Wadi Waterpark; The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and Jumeirah Retail.

Considered as the most pioneering center in the field of information, Abu Dhabi Systems & Information Center (ADSIC) was founded in 2008 to supervise the implementation of the e-Government program in Abu Dhabi Government entities. The center is considered as the governmental party that owns the IT agenda of Abu Dhabi Emirate.

ADSIC's role is to develop, drive and support various initiatives within the Government to transform government services in the Emirate. A key objective of this transformation is to establish a modern, efficient and citizen-centric e-Government platform to match the best in the world.

Kanoo Travel is the largest Travel Company in the Middle East, with a team of travel specialists, operating a network of over 180 offices in the region, and through a global network of world class travel partners. The company provides the most comprehensive and specialized services in the travel industry with unmatched quality awards and achievements that guarantees the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

Kanoo Travel is one of the companies working under the umbrella of The Kanoo Group (TKG), which was established in 1890 is one of the biggest multi-services companies in the region. As it works in the field of shipping, tourism, gas, petroleum, chemicals and information technology. The group has many branches and offices covering the Gulf and many other countries. The Kanoo Group's various divisions have been winning various levels of excellence awards under Dubai Quality Award and Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award scheme for the last nine years.

-Ends-

Ahmed Al-Banna
Journalist & Events Planner
The National Media
M: 0097150 2782819
T:  00971 6 745 54 74
F:  00971 6 744 91 96
ahmed.b@thenationalmedia.ae

© Press Release 2009