Purpose-To provide an overview of the history, evolution, and existing research on continuous improvement. Design/methodology/approach-Extensive review of the literature. Findings-This paper provides an overview of continuous improvement, its inception, how it evolved into sophisticated methodologies used in organizations today, and existing research in this field in the literature. Research limitations/implications-It does not provide an exhaustive review of the existing literature, or an exhaustive list of all continuous improvement programs, only the most well known. Originality/value-This paper traces how organizations have used various tools and techniques to address the need for improvement on various levels. The paper also presents research conducted in this field. It should be of value to practitioners of continuous improvement programs and to academics who are interested in how continuous improvement has evolved, and where it is today. To the authors' knowledge, no recent papers have provided an historical perspective of continuous improvement. Furthermore, our paper also discusses the existing research in this field.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to present a continuous improvement methodology developed in an aerospace company that is successfully being used by other companies in various industries. Design/methodology/approach -A case study was undertaken at a medium-sized aerospace company for over a span of one year. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, attendance at formal and informal meetings, observation, and company documentation. Findings -The paper provides an overview of a continuous improvement methodology known as Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACEe), which aims to achieve world-class quality in products and processes. The paper describes in detail the tools and techniques needed to implement and maintain the methodology. It was found that the company is very successful in addressing a wide range of aspects in the organization, always with the viewpoint that the customer is number one. This methodology is successful to the point that it is being used by other companies in various industries. Practical implications -The approach of the ACEe methodology can be applied to a variety of companies. Originality/value -This paper presents for the first time the comprehensive Continuous Improvement methodology ACEe. The paper should be of value to practitioners of continuous improvement programs who are interested in a comprehensive approach to achieving excellence.