Continuous improvement
Continuous improvement makes repeated, evidence-based enhancements to processes, resource use and customer outcomes. It can involve small employee-led changes as well as structured quality methods. Establish a baseline, test causes, evaluate benefits and monitor sustained performance. Improvements should align with strategic objectives and whole-system effects rather than merely optimise a local cost number. Distinguish real changes in capability from reporting changes that make the same operation appear better.
Worked example
A team reduces picking errors from 4% to 2%, then checks returns, delivery speed and staff workload to confirm the gain is real and sustained.
Common mistake
A lower reported defect rate is not evidence of improvement if the definition changed or defects were simply moved to another stage.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | APM | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | MA | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FMA | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |