RPI

Process Improvement Training
 
The purpose of Process Improvement Training is to:
  • Develop participant’s capability to improve business processes using a structured process improvement methodology, data, and analysis tools.
  • Provide an opportunity for each participant to plan the application of the methodology and tools to a selected business process and receive feedback and suggestions from the instructor and fellow participants.
  • Participants understand and are capable of using the process improvement strategy, data, and analysis tools to improve processes, including:
    • Process Improvement Strategy: Describe the Process, Collect Data on Key Process and Output Measures
    • Assess Process Stability, Address Special Cause Variation, Evaluate Process Capability
    • Analyze Common Cause Variation, Study Cause-and-Effect Relationships, Plan and Implement Changes
    • Measures of process location (mean, median, and mode) and when it is appropriate to use each.
    • Measures of process variability (range, variance, standard deviation, VR) and when it is appropriate to use each.
    • Basic tools (check sheet, histogram, run chart, Pareto chart, fishbone diagram, scatter diagram, 5-Whys, affinity diagram, prioritization matrix) to examine data and identify appropriate actions.
    • Concepts of stability and capability.
    • Control charts, how to select the appropriate chart, and how to use to separate special causes from common causes.
    • Project planning: team membership, stakeholders, timeline, action planning.
  • Participants are capable of using Excel to analyze data and create basic graphs.
  • Participants can fit the tools together within the process improvement strategy to improve business processes individually and with a team.
Training Design

The training will be designed around the process improvement strategy outlined in Improving Performance Through Statistical Thinking (ASQ Statistics Division, ASQ Quality Press, 2000).

The training will be developed in such a way as to use all 4 learning styles (concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation), but will emphasize practicing the strategy and tools. Participants will have an opportunity to complete several case studies throughout the training. The case studies will represent a variety of business processes (manufacturing and non-manufacturing).

Training Materials

At a minimum, the following materials will be provided to each participant:
  • Participant Training Material
  • Case Studies
  • Goal/QPC Memory Jogger
  • How-to Reference Sheets for Creating the Tools in Excel
Additional reference books will be made available to the participants at cost:
  • ASQ Statistics Division (Glen C. Britz, Donald W. Emerling, Lynne B. Hare, Roger W. Hoerl, Stuart J. Janis, Janice E. Slade). Improving Performance Through Statistical Thinking. Milwaukee: ASQ Press, 2000. (Approximately $25)
  • Kenneth N. Berk and Patrick M. Carey. Data Analysis with Microsoft Excel. Pacific Grove, CA: Duxbury Thomson Learning, 2000. (Approximately $40)
The training will be presented over five full days; the following is the training outline:
  • Day 1: Opening - Safety, Purpose, Products, Agenda, Ground Rules, Case Study, Introduction to the Process Improvement Strategy Basic Statistics (mean, median, mode, range, variance, standard deviation, VR) Basic Tools (process map, check sheet, histogram, run chart, scatter diagram).
  • Day 2: Basic Tools (fishbone, Pareto chart, affinity diagram, prioritization matrix, multi- voting, Gantt chart, potential problem analysis). Case Study Using the Process Improvement Strategy & Tools.
  • Day 3: Case Study Review Process Improvement Examples Tool Hints and Tips Control Charts
  • Day 4: Creating the Tools in Excel Case Study Using Excel.
  • Day 5: Case Study Review, Linking the Tools Together, Process Improvement with a Team, and Planning for Process Improvement in Your Business, Session Wrap-up.
Cost $2,625 per company (2 college credits available). Groups of 3 – 6 individuals within the same company/organization and the participants are in a position to influence the strategic decisions of their company/organization.

Contact Us at RPI if you are interested in having this class brought to your worksite.
 

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