How to use the continuous improvement model?

Question 1

is the practice of
aligning an organization’s practices and
services with changing business needs
through the ongoing identification and
improvement of all elements involved in the
effective management of products
and services.

Answer 1

Continual improvement

Question 2

is a
high-level guide to support improvement
initiatives using a cyclical seven steps framework.

Answer 2

continual improvement model

Question 3

The improvement should support the organization’s goals and objectives at all times.
It should also link individual actions to the future vision, in order that it really can be seen as an improvement.

Answer 3

What is the vision?

Question 4

In order for an improvement to really impact, it should have a clear starting point. The step ‘where are we now’ helps you to assess your current situation, from a technical, human resource and user’s perception perspective.

Answer 4

Where are we now?

Question 5

This step helps you visualize your improvement initiative.

Here you set your Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and the objectives of the improvement initiative.

Answer 5

Where do we want to be?

Question 6

The fourth step helps you plan. The continual improvement model advises to work iteratively, however with some initiatives this might not be needed and another approach will suffice.

Answer 6

How do we get there?

Question 7

Execute the plan that you created in the fourth step. A measurement process is key in this step as it will help you stay on track. To execute the plan you can use any type of approach that you think fits best (waterfall, big bang or small iterations).

Answer 7

Take action!

Question 8

Check and confirm the progress and the value of the improvement initiative.
If the desired result has not been achieved, additional actions need to be taken (often in a new iteration).

Answer 8

Did we get there?

Question 9

If the initiative is a success, use it to build support and momentum for the next improvement initiatives.
To do so, share the success both internally and externally. If the initiative failed to achieve success, make sure to use it for your ‘lessons learned’. This way the initiative did create value, even though it was not a success.

Answer 9

How do we keep the momentum going?