73 articles in this category
Process maps visually depict how inputs become outputs through workflow steps. They help understand processes, train employees, identify bottlenecks, and eliminate duplication. High-level maps show core processes while low-level maps detail specific tasks, creating clear accountability and improving efficiency throughout your organization.
DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) serves as the roadmap for implementing Six Sigma, helping businesses reduce variation and waste systematically. Originally called Six Steps to Six Sigma when Motorola developed it in the 1980s, over 60% of companies fail to achieve results when they stop properly implementing all five steps.
A process improvement plan documents your strategy for optimizing workflows and eliminating bottlenecks. Learn the ten essential steps to create an effective plan, from selecting processes to testing changes, and ensure employee adoption through visual thinking and co-creation approaches that make improvements stick.
Care pathways are healthcare standard operating procedures that map patient treatment journeys. These multidisciplinary tools ensure consistent, outcome-oriented care through standardized documentation, ongoing audits, and variance analysis. Learn how care pathways improve patient satisfaction, team collaboration, and quality outcomes.
Change management processes can create bottlenecks when they prioritize bureaucracy over solving problems. Strip away rigid approval procedures, make processes customer-centric and flexible, empower staff to take action, and improve sign-off processes. Lean change management enables faster improvements while maintaining essential communication and engagement.
Process variation occurs when processes fail to follow precise patterns, killing predictability and quality. McDonald's and Starbucks succeed through consistency: a Big Mac tastes the same everywhere, and Venti Latte is understood in 55+ countries. When quality issues arise, determine if it's variation (training, equipment, negligence) or if the process itself is fundamentally broken.