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Date Submitted: 01/25/2014 11:52 AM
Process improvement
Process Improvement: Enhancing Your Organization’s Effectiveness
A Midterm Book Report
Process Improvement
This text is a very effective book for introducing newcomers to the world of process improvement. The text covers multiple sections of the course, although the level of detail and analysis may not be on par with the requirements of a graduate level course. Some of the areas of focus throughout the text include: problem identification and selection, goal formulation and structure, process mapping/flow and various metrics to use for grading effectiveness. All of these tools are very useful in aiding the basic comprehension of concepts outlined in the course, and provide a good roadmap for change within an organization.
Process Improvement identifies both the necessity and the driving force behind process change for a positive outcome. There are two major recognized methods in the text for getting results, which are process reengineering and process improvement. Process reengineering is very lightly touched upon, and is identified as widespread sweeping change to enact a dramatic overhaul or revolution to current methods of operation or processes. Process improvement on the other hand, is aimed at retrofitting/revamping existing processes in order to streamline them to result in more efficient operations. Either of these methods of change can be undertaken by an individual or department at any level within the organization, but in reengineering it may be more effective when enacted and implemented at the direction of upper management.
The primary end goal of any improvement project is to either increase efficiency or increase revenue. This can be accomplished through decreased product or process costs, increased quality or customer value, or even an increase in sales due to refocused customer service or improved departmental cohesiveness. Regardless of the identified reasoning, the one key to ensuring success is focusing on...