Focusing on Forecasting
Companies all around the world are focused on quarterly as well as annual results. As soon as these results are announced, the financial markets give some sort of reaction. If the results are good, the stock prices rise. If not, stock prices tend to fall. However, in either case, the stock price is linked to […]
Evaluating the Financial Benefits of Six Sigma Project
There has been considerable debate in the industry in the past as to whether Six Sigma projects are worth all the hoopla that has been surrounding it. For decades before this debate, Six Sigma was followed in a cult-like manner and organizations would never question the financial viability of the projects undertaken. However given the […]
BPI and Process Adaptability Improvement
In modern times, the Business Rules are changing every day. Every Business, be it a Product or a Service, changing its way of doing business to suit the customer expectations has become the rule of the day. Technology has become the enabler for the businesses to reinvent their offerings as well as their operations. Businesses […]
Impact of Business Process Re-Engineering and Improvements
In the new world that is fast changing with rapid advances made in science and technology and shrinking borders, the academicians have had to discard the old theories of Management and rewrite the rules all over again. Bet it the marketing principles, human resource management or business processes, every topic needs to be redefined and […]
Business Process Improvement – Preparation Stage
Business Process Improvement exercise is undertaken by organizations to improve their operational efficiencies, to remove redundant processes, eliminate wastage as well as to adapt to customer expectations and thus augments its operations to meet with the expectations. BPI programs aim to bring about permanent changes to the processes through a sustained and planned implementation program. […]
A Project schedule is a document that contains vital information about the beginning and ending of the each of the five phases of the DMIAC Six Sigma methodology. The project schedule is an important document because it contains information about the project team, risks that have been identified and most importantly the approval status.
After each stage of the project that has been completed there is usually a meeting which focuses on the work done in that stage in the light of what was planned.
The project schedule contains information about the dates of these meetings and their agenda. Project schedules are often displayed graphically on the shop floors to remind the team members about the current status and what should have been achieved by then
Choosing an arbitrary project date can lead to the Project schedule not being followed and make the entire process meaningless. It is therefore important that the Project schedule be created by a senior person on the team like a Project Champion, a Project Lead or someone with a similar level of authority. Here is the information that they are usually required to consider:
Historical Six Sigma Information: In most cases, the project in question is usually not the first six sigma project being taken. Many similar projects have been undertaken in the past. The time taken while completion of these projects and the issues faced are usually documented. This information should be referred to before deciding the project schedule.
Constraints: A project team seldom has all the resources it needs. However many times resources are present with the parent organization and just need to be transferred to the project team. In such cases the time taken will generally be less. However in many cases, the organization has to acquire resources for the project team to execute. Not only are there usual bureaucratic hitches involved but also whether the organization is willing to spend the additional amount on the project. Time should be given for convincing the management.
Assumptions: Many times there are assumptions regarding the project requirements which may be unrealistic. For instance the project may require the services of a certain expert who obviously has other commitments to. Experts usually arrive at the project just at the time that they are required to. Expecting them to understand the project and start delivering immediately is incorrect. In many cases training is given to newer members to carry out six sigma project tasks. Expecting them to be well versed immediately after training without any hands-on experience is also an unrealistic expectation.
Risks: The risks assessment document provides a good estimate about the characteristic of setbacks that a project is likely to suffer. Hence this document must be carefully studied before arriving at a schedule.
The idea is to stretch the project team just beyond its capabilities. This will keep them on their toes. Giving them targets they can never meet is a demoralizer.
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