Process Improvement

* Running Head: Process Improvement 1
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  * University of Phoenix
  * Ops 571
  * Process Improvement
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  * Melissa Gamble
  * November 18, 2010
  * Paul Bogert
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2
Process Improvement Plan
    During the first week, I created a flowchart to show the process I go through in my standard,
morning routine. The purpose of creating the flowchart was to determine a more effective way
to utilize my time in the morning, to identify any potential bottlenecks in my process and to
maximize the limited time I do have in the mornings. This total understanding gives a road map
of information and shows throughput time, buffers, and bottlenecks.   Goldratt’s Theory of
Constraints gave direction for identifying system constraints, elevate system constraints,
deciding how to exploit the system constraints, and subordinating everything else to that
decision.  Goldratt stresses that using the theory of constraints to improve your processes is an
ever-evolving task. Identifying and fixing your biggest constraints brings about ways to identify
and fix other constraints.

    The statistical process control for my morning routine process will be used to ensure that my
standard process will operate as effectively as possible with as minimal waste.   This document
will outline the control limits of my morning routine process, the effects of any seasonal factors
and the confidence intervals involved. The total operating time for the process I run through in
the morning is 80 minutes from start to finish.   In order for my morning routine process to be
more effective, I need to preplan some of the things needed to get started the night before.
    Statistical process control (SPC) is the use of a statistical method to allow the monitoring and
control of a process to ensure it operates at full potential to produce a favorable outcome.
Statistical process...