What do we call a strategy that focuses on continuous quality improvement and waste reduction in processes?

The strategy that focuses on continuous quality improvement and waste reduction in processes is Lean manufacturing. This approach emphasizes efficiency by streamlining operations, optimizing resource use, and eliminating waste. Lean manufacturing aims to create more value for customers while using fewer resources by identifying and eradicating non-value-added activities in production processes.

While Total Quality Management is also concerned with quality improvement, it takes a broader approach by involving everyone in the organization and focusing on all aspects of the business rather than just process efficiency. Six Sigma is similarly focused on quality improvement but employs a specific statistical analysis to reduce defects and improve processes, rather than solely concentrating on waste reduction. Agile methodology, on the other hand, is primarily associated with project management and software development, emphasizing flexibility and customer collaboration rather than operational efficiency and waste reduction specifically.