Given how some of the primary targets of continuous improvement is its focus on removing waste and driving change within organizations it is somewhat of a surprise that many large organizations still find business improvement projects such a significant challenge and despite tools like 8d templates, 5s tool, value stream mapping being widespread results From […]
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5 Problem solving tools (how to’s and videos)
Working at a clients office a few months ago I was a little surprised by the question “so which is the best problem-solving technique?” Well, that got me thinking. Great problem solving is a learned skill and is usually a process that follows a set of steps to bring about the resolution of the issue […]
How to create an A3 report example template in Excel
When it comes to continuous improvement we’re all about standard work and following a structured approach. following a standard method brings the best benefits (check out this excellent piece for more information on the benefits) When it comes to problem-solving the same’s true, following a hap-hazard process rarely brings with it the same benefits as […]
How to get a career in change management
So you want to work in change management? Change management roles can offer a great opportunity to both learn and deploy a vast array of business improvement tools and learn at a strategic level how businesses function and perform. I’ve come across many colleagues who are looking to break into the world of change management, […]
RACI Matrix explained – a business process mapping tool with a difference.
As we all know process mapping can bring huge reward to your business. Not only does it provide visibility of your end to end processes and how they are executed but it can also support identifying weaknesses and improvement opportunities. Now of course we’re blessed with tools and software packages that help simplify this process […]
What steps to take when capturing data for continuous improvement projects
So you’ve selected your business improvement project. You’ve gone an investigated the business function (perhaps done a Gemba walk, or reviewed the issues). You’ve determined that specific areas of the process require further investigation and have decided that you’ll produce some metrics to aid that investigation. So the next step will be for you to […]
Using Excels WORKDAY.INTL Function for simple excel based project plans.
One of the tasks I often have to do in my working life is to create project plans. For simple plans I often find myself building them in Excel. Now I know before you start that there are more appropriate tools to build project plans – I know that applications like MS Project offer far […]
How can I improve supplier delivery performance?
One of the primary drivers for many businesses own performance is that of its supply chain. Of the two primary drivers for this one is the quality of the product delivered (right first time) and second being the on-time delivery performance of its vendors. The importance of on-time delivery must not be ignored. Late supplier […]
7 steps for better change management
For some, it may be a cliche but change is all around us. In adapting to ever complex environments and challenging markets many businesses are faced with an evolve or die scenario. As a result, and in particular, over the last 30 years, there has been a significant focus not just change management but on […]
Why is my Vlookup not working in excel
We absolutely love Excel’s Vlookup formulae. It’s one of those wonderful pieces of spreadsheet wizardry that we return to time and time again. I can’t tell you how many times it’s rescued me from problems. If like me you work with various data sets then it’s more than likely that at some point you will […]