Activities in Jamaica

JICA Assistance Helping to Improve Productivity in Jamaica

Since 2009, the Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC), the national organization responsible for promoting and facilitating productivity enhancement in Jamaica, has enjoyed a mutually beneficial working relationship with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Technical Assistance Services Unit of the Centre was bolstered by the presence of Mr. Makoto Oyama, a JICA productivity expert who spent two years at the Centre from January 2009 to January 2011. Mr. Oyama was succeeded by Mr. Akira Tonouchi, whose tenure at the Centre is from January 2011 to January 2013.

The productivity concepts of Kaizen and 5S are a part of JPC’s approach to improving workplace productivity; as such Mr. Tonouchi plays a leading role in teaching individuals and organizations to apply these concepts in a practical way on a daily basis. He believes this will help in improving productivity at the individual, enterprise and industry levels, thereby positively impacting sectoral and national productivity levels as well.

A key role of Mr. Tonouchi is that of transferring his knowledge and experience in productivity improvement, ensuring that when his tenure comes to an end, the Centre will still benefit from the wealth of knowledge he possesses. This transfer takes place through the Centre’s capacity building sessions, seminars and workshops delivered to employees and employers. One participant at an Introduction to 5S workshop conducted by Mr. Tonouchi, remarked, “I like the clarity of the material presented on the importance of productivity in our workplace. This will do well for our company.”

The Productivity Expert has also conducted interventions with some small businesses, viewing factory and workspace and making recommendations for improvement. Over the years, there has been increased demand for the consultative and advisory services of the Centre, this has resulted in a steady increase in the number of organizations to which the JPC has provided productivity related assistance. The technical expertise and knowledge of the Senior Volunteers has helped the JPC to provide its clients with the highest quality of service, advice and training.

Ms. Tamar Nelson - Senior Productivity Specialist at Jamaica Productivity Centre conducting a workshop in KAIZEN and 5S Concepts. along with Senior Volunteer , Productivity Improvement Advisor at JPC