Match the Change Vehicle and Method To the Job

摘要

Processes are at the core of continuous improvement, and improvement happens when a process is changed in one way or another. From kaizen events and just-in-time manufacturing to Six Sigma projects and reengineering, philosophies, methodologies and tools have been developed to make processes more effective and efficient. These innovations originated mostly in management practice; academics later interpreted and clarified the recipes such innovations embodied. The abundance of great recipes has created confusion as the chefs promote their own recipes as the panacea. Since each recipe involves a considerable investment in time and resources by the organization, picking the wrong one can be costly. Also, top management's backing down and recognizing a mistake can be difficult because its strong endorsement is a critical factor in the success of the program. When management admits it made a mistake, it creates employee cynicism, which makes it even more difficult to introduce another program at a later date. Unfortunately, failure does not appear to be the exception.