Critical success factors of continuous improvement in the public sector: A literature review and some key findings

Purpose - To determine the critical success factors (CSFs) for continuous improvement projects in the public sector. Design/methodology/approach - Theoretical paper based on a literature review. Findings - It would appear that there are factors that are important in manufacturing organisations that do not figure in service/public sector organisations and vice versa. Research limitations/implications - As few papers were identified, further research must be carried out into the CSFs to see if the differences between manufacturing, service and public sector organisations are substantiated. Practical implications - This work identifies aspects that must be in place for the successful implementation of a continuous improvement project and should be used by those wishing to initiate a project within their organisation. Originality/value - This paper highlights the similarities and differences between manufacturing, service and public sector organisations.