Continuous Improvement Project

Objective: Your objective for this project is to demonstrate your understanding and ability to improve/solve a significant process problem using a systematic continuous process improvement methodology.

Optional reference you might want to obtain: Chang, R.Y. (1994). Continuous process improvement: A practical guide to improving processes for measurable results. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Pfeiffer. This is the material I will use to introduce the topic to you during our last few sessions.

The continuous process improvement model Chang uses and that I recommend is the following:

  1. Select a significant problem
    1. Define key requirements for core customers
    2. Determine the process to improve
  2. Analyze the problem
    1. Document the "as is" process
    2. Establish process measures
  3. Measure the process
    1. Gather baseline process performance data
    2. Identify process performance gaps
  4. Improve the process
    1. Set process improvement goals
    2. Develop and implement improvement on a trial run basis
  5. Evaluate the results
    1. Assess impact of process improvements
    2. Standardize process and monitor ongoing improvement

Project Requirements Part 1: Identification of the CPI methodology in The Goal

Read The Goal and then identify and describe one of the areas where Rogo's team applied the steps in the Chang model I listed above. This should account for 2-3 pages of your project. This will account for 20% (5 points) of your project grade.

Project Requirements Part 2: Apply the CPI methodology to a significant problem

Select a significant process problem in your life that you believe needs improvement. "Significant" implies something that is not trivial. Selection of a trivial problem (i.e. waking up in the morning, losing weight) will affect your grade. Remember, though, you are constrained in the amount of time you have to implement you plan. Be judicious in your problem selection based on the time constraints and the significance of the problem.

After you have selected the problem you are to follow the CPI model to work towards improvement of the process. Your paper should document the steps and what you did in each step. Significant decisions "not to do something" should also be documented.

Remember that your goal is to demonstrate to me that you understand the CPI process. Provide as much relevant information as you can to demonstrate your understanding. Sparse evidence indicates shallow or non-existent understanding. I would imagine this should take between 6-10 pages.

The project report should be typed and properly formatted using an appropriate style guide. (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) Use one-inch margins and double-space the document. Staple the document in the upper left-hand corner. Do not put it in a folder or other type of cover. You will be graded on the content of the report and on the document form, grammar, and spelling.

The project report is due: 12/16/99 before 2:00 pm. Late papers will not be accepted.