Project Management

Please login or join to subscribe to this thread

10 tips for a successful continuous improvement

linkedin twitter facebook  
avatar
Sameh Nasr Project Controls General Manager - MRO & Offshore Rigs| Confidential Saudi Arabia
Tip 1: Recognize the problem
Continuous Improvement is the ongoing effort of engaged employees and improvement teams to improve information, materials, products, services or processes. The first step in establishing a continuous improvement mindset is to recognize the problem. That is, recognize the fact that your organization does not have or could do quite better exhibiting a continuous improvement mind set.

Tip 2: Establish an enduring culture
Adaptability and an action oriented leadership team are inherent components of a continuous improvement culture. Resistance to change exists in all organizations to a degree and it must be recognized for what itis, an impediment to improvement.

Tip 3: Think Kaizen and cross the chasm
Many people advocate Kaizen oriented thinking and behavior where continual small, incremental improvements provide tremendous benefits in performance and end results achieved over time. Others advocate a Crossing the Chasm mind set where drastic change is introduced completely replacing inefficient execution rather than slightly improving upon it. In a continuous improvement culture, there is room for both approaches.

Tip 4: Facilitate process-centric thinking
Process-centric thinking does not have to be overly complex. Sometimes, all it takes is a thoughtful examination to uncover significant areas for improvement. Rather than tolerating mistakes and repeat errors, facilitate process-centric thinking to continually improve, correct, and overcome execution difficulties.

Tip 5: Educate the workplace
Expect and overcome resistance to change with ongoing training, reinforcement of expected behaviors, and recognition of those who are learning and doing.

Tip 6: Ensure a penalty-free exchange of ideas
Ensuring a penalty-free exchange of ideas is beneficial to both the giver and the receiver of new ideas and approaches and will ensure a safe two way exchange of thoughts and ideas.

Tip 7: Use a consistent approach
A consistent and structured approach for project identification and execution will provide the organization with the ability to identify, select, and manage continuous improvement projects. It should also provide post-closing process steps to continually refine the improvement project methodology and to act upon the lessons learn from the project effort.

Tip 8: Measure Performance
It is not possible to improve what is not measured. Determine in advance the approach and techniques to be used in measurements. Scorecards can be useful to monitor the key performance indicators of processes that support capability and performance.

Tip 9: Communication Plan
Ensure regular communications to foster collaborative interactions among leaders, stakeholders, and practitioners at all levels. Where needed, schedule face to face meetings and where not needed, use the communication and collaboration tools and capabilities of the enterprise to keep all members updated and involved.

Tip 10: Establish core values
Establish the core values that comprise the continuous improvement culture such as a focus on supporting the customer, teamwork throughout the extended enterprise, receptivity to evolving continuous improvement concepts and tools. These core values will create a sense of belonging and a common vision for all involved.
Sort By:
avatar
Sungjoon Park Coral Springs, Fl, United States
Thank you for sharing.
avatar
Samuel Vaddi Avon, In, United States
Sameh, thank you for this.

In the future, I would suggest publishing this type of content as an Article or Blog Post so it is rightly classified
...
1 reply by Sameh Nasr
Jul 03, 2016 4:21 AM
Sameh Nasr
...
Sure, once I completed
avatar
Raj Kaushik Markham, Ontario, Canada
Agree with Samuel.

A case study will be good where you have applied these tips for continuous improvement of a process.
avatar
Sameh Nasr Project Controls General Manager - MRO & Offshore Rigs| Confidential Saudi Arabia
Jun 30, 2016 11:36 AM
Replying to Samuel Vaddi
...
Sameh, thank you for this.

In the future, I would suggest publishing this type of content as an Article or Blog Post so it is rightly classified
Sure, once I completed
avatar
Christian Velazquez BARA Process Lead| Cadena de Descuento BARA Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Thanks for sharing!

Please login or join to reply

Content ID:
ADVERTISEMENTS

I hate music, especially when it's played.

- Jimmy Durante

ADVERTISEMENT

Sponsors







Vendor Events

See all Vendor Events

Newsletters

Jun 3: The Career Problem Facing New PMs
May 20: Your PM Career as a Project Life Cycle
May 13: The Big Lie After Layoffs

See all newsletters