Sustaining Continuous Innovation through Problem Solving

"Stephen Armstrong brings a methodology to management change and continuous improvement that if followed is a sure success for any company, at any stage of its life cycle. Many companies claim to be doing what most management schools teach, but very few actually do. This is some times because class room best practices are very difficult to completely implement in the work place. Stephens discipline as a engineer and management consultant allows a company to follow a simple process and actually implement management best practices. His principles are timeless and are very effective for getting engagement from all the staff at all levels. This is a must read for any organization or any body studying leadership who wants to succeed."

This book demonstrates how Problem Solving and Process Management is at the heart of continuous business transformation. Logically organized in four parts, it introduces the reader to the domains of change and the process management body of knowledge (BOK) and gives detailed instruction on how to creatively re-engineer processes, sustain innovation and continually improve an enterprise through proven repetitive methods. And unlike any book on the subject it offers a practical step-by-step approach that includes the steps, the templates, and the metrics to keep it on track.
 

• Features a tried and tested, practical 17-step how to Problem Solving and Process Management methodology that can be used in any business environment.

• Includes numerous figures and examples of charts and documents used at each step of the process.

• References standard forms, tools, and training materials in the Appendix.

• Addresses how to engage the people who are using, creating, and improving the management process.

• Explains the steps in creating a process management methodology and presents the process management body of knowledge without the fad or spin.

• Highlights the importance of good process management to corporate business transformation
 

Forewords by Bob Repovs, Dr. Juergen Boenisch and Bob Cox
Acknowledgements
Organization of the Book

Part I : Transforming the Enterprise
Chapter 1 : An Introduction to Business Transformation
Chapter 2 : The Phases of Business Transformation Explained
Chapter 3 : The Organizational Approach to Business Transformation

Part II : Analyzing the Status Quo
Chapter 4 : How to Analyze the “As Is” Business Processes
Step 1 : Establish the Team
Step 2 : Research Customer Needs and Expectations
Step 3 : Select the Issue and Process
Step 4 : Define/Design the Process
Step 5 : Establish Standards and Design Performance Measures
Step 6 : Implement Processes, Standards, Measures
Step 7 : Confirm Process/Issue Focus
Step 8 : Set Improvement Objectives and Schedule

Part III: Continuous Innovation – By Problem Solving
Chapter 5 : How to Improve the Business Processes Creatively
Step 9 : Detail Causes
Step 10 : Gathering Data on Root Causes and Analyze
Step 11 : Select Root Cause to Eliminate/Investigate
Step 12 : Formulate Alternative Solutions
Step 13 : Evaluate and Select Best Solution
Step 14 : Investigate and Validate the Solution
Step 15 : Document Solutions
Step 16 :Step 17 : Confirm Improvement and Continuously Monitor


Part IV: Engaging the People – Sustaining Innovation
Chapter 6 : Managing Continuous Innovation Teams

Chapter 7 : Sustaining Innovation Through a Higher Purpose
Appendices – Management Tools
Afterword Theoretical Underpinnings of Enterprise Innovation
Bibliography
Index