Management Process Improvement
School of Electronics and Computer Science
Faculty of Physical and Applied Sciences
University of Southampton
MANG3023 – Management 2
Assignment 1
Onatobome Okposo
24335487
Ooo1g10
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Approaches and tools for process Improvement 4
3. Process Improvement Phases 4
3.1 Process definition and assessment 4
3.2 Process Mapping and Analysis 5
3.3 Process redesign and improvement. 6
1. Introduction A work process is “a method of doing something, generally involving a number of sequential steps to transform inputs into outputs that lead to a specific outcome” [6]. In some instances in organisations, work processes are models that have been developed in an ad-hoc basis through task performance that has evolved over time. However, to sustain efficiency in the contemporary business environment driven by competition, customer satisfaction, globalization, increasing regulations and quality assurance requirements, and change, continuous review and improvement of work processes is required. Business efficiency can be achieved by defining the process, mapping the process, defining process measures and analysing the process with a view to adopting new techniques, streamlining and simplifying the process. The work process considered for illustrative purposes is a purchase requisition process in a furniture manufacturing business. Efficiency of the purchasing process can be determined by the occurrence of errors in purchase orders, number of purchase orders and requisitions processed within a given period and cost savings [1].
2. Approaches and tools for process Improvement
There are various approaches and tools employed for process improvement. The most widely adopted is Total Quality Management (TQM). It helps to achieve process efficiency through its plan, do, and check and act cycle (PDCA). TQM interventions such as the lean and six Sigma techniques enable the identification and elimination of problems in work processes. The
Faculty of Physical and Applied Sciences
University of Southampton
MANG3023 – Management 2
Assignment 1
Onatobome Okposo
24335487
Ooo1g10
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 4
2. Approaches and tools for process Improvement 4
3. Process Improvement Phases 4
3.1 Process definition and assessment 4
3.2 Process Mapping and Analysis 5
3.3 Process redesign and improvement. 6
1. Introduction A work process is “a method of doing something, generally involving a number of sequential steps to transform inputs into outputs that lead to a specific outcome” [6]. In some instances in organisations, work processes are models that have been developed in an ad-hoc basis through task performance that has evolved over time. However, to sustain efficiency in the contemporary business environment driven by competition, customer satisfaction, globalization, increasing regulations and quality assurance requirements, and change, continuous review and improvement of work processes is required. Business efficiency can be achieved by defining the process, mapping the process, defining process measures and analysing the process with a view to adopting new techniques, streamlining and simplifying the process. The work process considered for illustrative purposes is a purchase requisition process in a furniture manufacturing business. Efficiency of the purchasing process can be determined by the occurrence of errors in purchase orders, number of purchase orders and requisitions processed within a given period and cost savings [1].
2. Approaches and tools for process Improvement
There are various approaches and tools employed for process improvement. The most widely adopted is Total Quality Management (TQM). It helps to achieve process efficiency through its plan, do, and check and act cycle (PDCA). TQM interventions such as the lean and six Sigma techniques enable the identification and elimination of problems in work processes. The
References: 1. S.Kumar and R.Harms. “Improving business processes for increased operational efficiency: a case study”, Journal of Manufacturing technology management, vol 15, pp. 662-674, 2004. 4. Md. Maaz, M.Kumar “Structured Method for Business Process Improvement” in 3rd Int Conf. Services in Emerging Markets, 2013,Mysore, pp.183 – 188 5