Which term describes ongoing efforts to improve products, services, or processes?

The term that best describes ongoing efforts to improve products, services, or processes is continuous improvement. This concept emphasizes an iterative and sustained approach to enhance all aspects of an organization's operations. Continuous improvement involves regularly evaluating performance, identifying areas for enhancement, and implementing small, incremental changes over time rather than engaging in large-scale transformations.

This philosophy is often associated with various methodologies and frameworks such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management, which provide structured ways to identify inefficiencies and foster innovation. By focusing on continuous improvement, organizations can adapt to changing market conditions, respond to customer feedback, and ultimately achieve higher levels of quality and efficiency.

While process improvement, quality improvement, and strategic improvement are all relevant concepts in the context of enhancing an organization, they do not fully capture the ongoing nature and broad applicability encapsulated by continuous improvement. Process improvement often focuses specifically on refining workflows, quality improvement emphasizes enhancing the overall quality of products or services, and strategic improvement relates to aligning with long-term goals or objectives. Continuous improvement, however, encompasses all these aspects as it strives for perpetual enhancement in every area of operation.