Process Analysis and Improvement
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Lean Process Mapping course at Greenwich School of Business and Finance. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
6Sigma #
A methodology that utilizes statistical tools and techniques to improve processes, with the goal of reducing defects and variation to 3.4 parts per million or less. It is a data-driven approach to process improvement that combines Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
8D Problem Solving #
A structured problem-solving methodology that consists of eight steps, including forming a team, identifying the problem, containing the problem, determining and verifying root causes, choosing and verifying corrective actions, implementing and validating corrective actions, taking preventive measures, and congratulating the team.
Affinity Diagram #
A visual tool used to organize and categorize ideas generated during brainstorming sessions. It helps teams identify patterns and relationships in large amounts of data.
Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) #
A decision-making tool that uses a hierarchical structure to compare alternatives based on a set of criteria. It helps teams prioritize and make informed decisions.
Balanced Scorecard (BSC) #
A performance management tool that measures an organization's performance across four perspectives: financial, customer, internal processes, and learning and growth.
Benchmarking #
The process of comparing an organization's processes or performance to those of other organizations in order to identify best practices and areas for improvement.
Business Process Management (BPM) #
A systematic approach to managing and optimizing business processes, with the goal of improving efficiency, effectiveness, and agility.
Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) #
A framework for assessing and improving an organization's software, product, and service development capabilities.
Cause and Effect Diagram #
A visual tool used to identify the causes of a problem or issue. It helps teams identify the root causes of a problem and develop countermeasures.
Change Management #
The process of planning, implementing, and managing changes to an organization's processes, systems, or structure.
Cloud Computing #
The delivery of computing services over the internet, including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence.
Continuous Improvement (CI) #
A philosophy and strategy that focuses on continually improving processes, products, and services.
Core Competencies #
The unique capabilities and skills that differentiate an organization from its competitors.
Cost of Quality (COQ) #
The total cost of preventing, detecting, and repairing defects in a product or service, including both internal and external costs.
Customer Journey Mapping #
A visual representation of a customer's experience with an organization, including their thoughts, feelings, and actions at each stage of the journey.
Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) #
A methodology that applies Six Sigma principles and tools to the design of products and services, with the goal of reducing defects and variation from the outset.
Dr. W. Edwards Deming #
An American engineer, statistician, and management consultant who developed the 14 Points for Management and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) #
A software system that integrates various business functions, including finance, human resources, and supply chain management.
Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) #
A risk management tool that identifies and evaluates potential failures in a system or process, and develops countermeasures to prevent or mitigate their effects.
Fishbone Diagram #
A visual tool used to identify the causes of a problem or issue. It is also known as a cause and effect diagram or Ishikawa diagram.
Flowchart #
A visual representation of a process, including the steps, decisions, and inputs and outputs.
Hoshin Kanri #
A strategic planning and management tool that aligns an organization's goals and objectives with its daily operations.
Information Technology (IT) #
The use of computers, software, and telecommunications systems to manage and process information.
ISO 9001 #
A quality management standard that establishes requirements for a quality management system (QMS).
Just #
in-Time (JIT): A inventory management and production strategy that aims to reduce lead times and inventory costs by producing and delivering products just in time for when they are needed.
Kaizen #
A Japanese term that means "continuous improvement." It refers to the practice of making small, incremental changes to processes, products, and services in order to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and quality.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) #
A metric that measures an organization's performance in a specific area, such as financial performance, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency.
Lean #
A philosophy and strategy that focuses on eliminating waste and maximizing value in processes, products, and services.
Lean Six Sigma #
A methodology that combines the principles and practices of Lean and Six Sigma, with the goal of improving efficiency, effectiveness, and quality.
Logical Framework Approach (LFA) #
A project management tool that helps teams define and plan projects by identifying objectives, activities, and indicators.
Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award #
A prestigious award that recognizes organizations for their achievements in quality and performance excellence.
Master Black Belt (MBB) #
A Six Sigma expert who leads and mentors Black Belts and Green Belts, and is responsible for the deployment of Six Sigma in an organization.
Metrics #
Quantitative measures used to evaluate the performance of a process, product, or service.
PDCA Cycle #
A continuous improvement framework that consists of four stages: Plan, Do, Check, and Act.
Plan #
Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Cycle: A continuous improvement framework that consists of four stages: Plan, Do, Check, and Act. It is also known as the Deming cycle.
Process Analysis #
The examination and evaluation of a process, including its inputs, outputs, and activities, in order to identify opportunities for improvement.
Process Approach #
A management approach that focuses on the design, implementation, and improvement of processes, rather than on functional silos.
Process Capability #
A measure of a process's ability to produce outputs that meet specified requirements.
Process Improvement #
The systematic effort to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of a process.
Process Map #
A visual representation of a process, including the steps, decisions, and inputs and outputs.
Process Owner #
The person who is responsible for a process, including its design, implementation, and improvement.
Process Sigma #
A measure of a process's performance, expressed in terms of defects per million opportunities.
Project Management #
The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to plan, execute, and control projects.
Quality Function Deployment (QFD) #
A methodology that helps teams translate customer requirements into design and production requirements.
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) #
A problem-solving methodology that identifies the underlying causes of a problem or issue, and develops countermeasures to prevent or mitigate their effects.
Statistical Process Control (SPC) #
A methodology that uses statistical tools and techniques to monitor and control a process, with the goal of maintaining its stability and capability.
Statistical Quality Control (SQC) #
A methodology that uses statistical tools and techniques to monitor and control the quality of a process or product, with the goal of reducing defects and variation.
SWOT Analysis #
A strategic planning tool that identifies an organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
Six Sigma #
A methodology that uses statistical tools and techniques to improve processes, with the goal of reducing defects and variation to 3.4 parts per million or less.
Total Quality Management (TQM) #
A philosophy and strategy that focuses on continuously improving the quality of products, services, and processes by involving all employees in the improvement efforts.
Value Stream Mapping #
A visual tool used to identify and analyze the steps involved in a value stream, including the flow of materials, information, and value.