Operational Excellence: Analyzing the Theoretical and Practical Dimensions of Continuous Improvement through Amazon Case Experiences

This thesis is based on my internship experience at Amazon Luxembourg, in which I held the role of Project Manager Intern in a team specialised in optimising processes within European Sort Centres, which are key warehousing facilities used by Amazon to ensure efficient delivery to end customers. The main objective of this research is to emphasise the importance of the continuous improvement philosophy in today's business environment. It highlights how crucial it is for companies to adopt a continuous improvement approach in order to meet the changing needs of consumers and maintain competitiveness in the marketplace. The paper presents two case studies that concretely illustrate how a web application developed for labour planning process within Sort Centres can be optimised. In the first case study, the accuracy of incoming volumes forecast is examined, comparing the effectiveness of the forecasting models with manual changes made by users. In the second case study, the focus is on performing specific tests to meet stakeholder requirements regarding the prioritisation of certain work shifts. Both applications analysed in this thesis represent concrete examples of how a product can be optimised on a daily basis to adapt to changing consumer needs. In conclusion, this paper shows that continuous improvement is not simply a theoretical concept, but a daily practice that can make a difference in the success of a company, especially in a constantly changing business environment. The ability to adapt quickly to customer needs is crucial to maintain a competitive advantage in today's market.