Continual Improvement vs. Continuous Improvement Dilemma.......

This issue has received wide discussion on many fronts. Both terms are commonly used. There are substantial differences between continual and continuous.

Some explanation found in Google search……
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“Continuous” refers to a single, uninterrupted, non-stop event. “Continual”, on the other hand, refers to a series of finite events. Continuous improvement has often been cited as one of the goals of a Quality Management System; however, in the real world, it is not possible to continuously improve anything or any process. Improvement comes about through observation, measurement, and analysis, all discrete, finite processes. That is why section 8.5.1 of ISO 9001 is entitled “Continual Improvement”.
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The concept of "continual" improvement is the term that Deming always used in reference to the general processes of improvement. He never used the term "continuous improvement". He often objected when people associated him with continuous improvement. Continual improvement is broader in scope than continuous improvement. Continuous improvement is a subset of continual improvement. Continual improvement also includes room for *discontinuous* improvements (improvements that are not like in kind to what came before - another term for this might be innovative or radical improvements such as are sought after in most reengineering efforts, or in the lean manufacturing movement). Continuous improvements are linear, incremental improvements to an existing process (Kaizen). Continual improvement includes this, as well as discontinuous/innovative improvement. In other words, continual improvement speaks to the PROCESS of improvement (always and forever (continually) ongoing, in all of its forms and in all areas) rather than the NATURE of the improvements (continuous vs discontinuous).

Thinking of continual improvement vs. continuous improvement serves to highlight the importance of developing learning disciplines on a much deeper level than most organizations seem interested in considering. If continual improvement is to be attained, the organization will be, by definition a learning organization.
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