Purpose: Some of the most widely-used tools for continuous improvement are the individual or group suggestion systems. In this paper we summarize the main characteristics of both systems and how to implement them. The purpose of this paper is to ask the following research questions: What are the outcomes of individual or group suggestion systems implementation? Which of the two programs, individual or groups, is more profitable for the companies? What problems arise during the use of these programs? Methodology: Case Study, we will analyse the evolution of the formal programs of continuous improvement of a firm in a traditional sector (food) over the course of 5 years. The data for our research were gathered by means of participatory observation over the course of 18 months spent in the firm attending the meetings of the improvement teams. Findings: Both programs (individual and group) have proved to be very profitable for the company. However, we have seen that there is no magic formula for the correct operation of the system of continuous improvement, but that the existing system has to be continually improved, correcting faults and trying always to contribute something new to re-launch the system every so often. Practical implication: This study has also permitted us to highlight the importance of continuous improvement in the firm from both the economic point of view and that of worker development. Value of paper: Our investigation aims to help to cover the lack of longitudinal case studies of continuous improvement. Our data show a real experience of how a scheme of continuous improvement has been gradually transformed, from a very unsuccessful start, passing through different phases and finally delivering results for the firm.
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