Getting started
What is business process improvement?
Cambridge dictionary defines process management as “the job of examining the processes used in a company, department, project, etc. to see how they can be made more effective”. This process is often also referred to as:
business process management
business process optimization
business process re-engineering
continuous process improvement
Several methodologies align with process improvement, with some being more popular than others. Among those, Lean, Six Sigma and Kaizen have gained popularity among process improvement professionals because of their focus on boosting productivity and minimizing waste.
Other popular methodologies: 5S, Kanban, Plan Do Check Act – PDCA, Process mapping, Root cause analysis, Theory of Constraints, Total Quality Management – TQM, Value stream mapping
Technology plays an important role, as nowadays businesses rely heavily on the use of big data to identify then analyze inefficiencies in existing business processes. Although technology can have a great impact on the success of such initiatives, the focus should always be on workflow improvement, not the latest technology.
Introduction to Process Improvement
The Complete Business Process Handbook by
The Complete Business Process Handbook is the most comprehensive body of knowledge on business processes with revealing new research. Written as a practical guide for Executives, Practitioners, Managers and Students by the authorities that have shaped the way we think and work with process today. It stands out as a masterpiece, being part of the BPM bachelor and master degree curriculum at universities around the world, with revealing academic research and insight from the leaders in the market. This book provides everything you need to know about the processes and frameworks, methods, and approaches to implement BPM. Through real-world examples, best practices, LEADing practices and advice from experts, readers will understand how BPM works and how to best use it to their advantage. Cases from industry leaders and innovators show how early adopters of LEADing Practices improved their businesses by using BPM technology and methodology. As the first of three volumes, this book represents the most comprehensive body of knowledge published on business process. Following closely behind, the second volume uniquely bridges theory with how BPM is applied today with the most extensive information on extended BPM. The third volume will explore award winning real-life examples of leading business process practices and how it can be replaced to your advantage. Learn what Business Process is and how to get started Comprehensive historical process evolution In-depth look at the Process Anatomy, Semantics and Ontology Find out how to link Strategy to Operation with value driven BPM Uncover how to establish a way of Thinking, Working, Modelling and Implementation Explore comprehensive Frameworks, Methods and Approaches How to build BPM competencies and establish a Center of Excellence Discover how to apply Social BPM, Sustainable and Evidence based BPM Learn how Value & Performance Measurement and Management Learn how to roll-out and deploy process Explore how to enable Process Owners, Roles and Knowledge Workers Discover how to Process and Application Modelling Uncover Process Lifecycle, Maturity, Alignment and Continuous Improvement Practical continuous improvement with the way of Governance Future BPM trends that will affect business Explore the BPM Body of Knowledge
ISBN: 9780128004722Publication Date: 2014-12-06
Handbook of Research on Promoting Business Process Improvement Through Inventory Control Techniques by
Stock management and control is a critical element to the success and overall financial well-being of an organization. Through the application of innovative practices and technology, businesses are now able to effectively monitor their operations and manage their inventory by evaluating sales patterns and customer preferences. The Handbook of Research on Promoting Business Process Improvement Through Inventory Control Techniques is a critical scholarly resource that examines optimization techniques, data mining concepts, and genetic algorithms to manage inventory control. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as logistics and supply chain management, stochastic inventory modelling, and inventory management in healthcare, this book is geared towards academicians, practitioners, and researchers seeking various research methods to get optimal ordering policy.
ISBN: 9781522532330Publication Date: 2017-12-22
Please note some of these books might be reference books; reference books are only available for use in the library. You can identify those by looking at the Copies tab in the record of each book – the Location section should say Sherman Library Reference and the Status section should say LIB USE ONLY.
Lean Six Sigma Business Transformation for Dummies by
Use Lean Six Sigma to transform your business. Lean Six Sigma is a powerful method for improving both the efficiency and quality of projects and operations. In this new book, the team that bought you Lean Six Sigma For Dummies shows you how to take Lean Six Sigma to the next level and manage continual change in your organization. You'll learn to design a roadmap for transformation that's tailored to your business objectives; develop and implement processes that eliminate waste and variation across the company; synchronize your supply chain; and successfully deploy Lean Six Sigma over time. Lean Six Sigma Business Transformation For Dummies shows you how to: Define your transformation objectives and create a bespoke 'Transformation Charter' for your organization. Assess your company's readiness for transformation. Establish a 'Transformation Governance System' to help you manage the transformation programme effectively. Bring your people with you! Plan and achieve the cultural change needed to make the transformation process successful. Join up the dots between planning and effective execution with Strategy Deployment. Deploy a 'Continuous Improvement' toolkit to achieve everyday operational excellence. Sustain the transformation programme and widen the scope across the organization (including deploying to the supply chain). Adopt a 'Capability Maturity Approach' to drive business improvement - recognizing that change is a continuous transformational journey, just as pioneers like Toyota have done. Use a range of Lean Six Sigma Tools - using the right tools, at the right time (and in the right order!) enables continuous improvement by eliminating waste and process variation.
ISBN: 9781118844878Publication Date: 2014-07-30
Please note some of these books might be reference books; reference books are only available for use in the library. You can identify those by looking at the Copies tab in the record of each book – the Location section should say Sherman Library Reference and the Status section should say LIB USE ONLY.
Required/recommended materials for selected Process Improvement courses
| PIM 5450 | Sower, Victor E. Essentials of Quality with Cases and Experiential Exercises. |
| PIM 5455 | Meredith, Jack R. / Shafer, Scott M. / Mantel, Samuel J. Project Management in Practice. |
| SCM 5421 | Dittmann, J. Paul. Supply Chain Transformation: Building and Executing an Integrated Supply Chain Strategy. (2013) |