Unit 7 - Processes Flashcards
what is the PDCA cycle?
this is used to improve projects and implement changes
what are the four steps of the PDCA cycle?
- plan
- do
- check
- act/adjust
explain plan in the pdca cycle?
identify and understand the problem or oppotunity
explain the do stage in the pdca cycle
this is where you can test you r idea on a small scale.
explain the check phase in the pdca cycle
review the project results against smart targets that are in place. if the project is unsuccessful, return to the “do” phase to try some more changes
explain the act/adjust phase in the pdca cycle
full-scale implementation of the successful idea or solution
what are process maps?
they are a visual representation that is followed when completing a task, it can help identify any bottlenecks in the process.
what steps should you follow when improving an existing process?
- map out the current process
- set out ideas
- review the current process
- identify alternatives
- agree and implement changes
what is six sigma?
model used to improve business processes. increases performance and decreases variation. helps to improve profits, morale and quality of the products.
what methodology does six sigma use?
DMAIC
what does DMAIC stand for?
D - define: what is the problem
M - measure: how big is the problem
A - analyse: what caused the problem
I - improve: what can solve the problem
C - control: what can fix the problem?
what is the purpose of continuous improvement?
-improve standards across the organisation
-improve the quality of the product or the service that is being provided
-improve productivity and efficiency while reducing waste
what is lean management?
business development techniques that involve systems and processes that are needed to improve the production process
what are the five principles of lean management?
- specify value from the viewpoint of the end customer
- identify all steps in the process
- make processes flow smoothly by eliminating waste
- make sure customer demand is met
- continue until a state of perfection is reached
what are the 8 types of waste, briefly explain
- transport - if products are moved more than necessary
- motion - unnecessary movements if the workplace is not tidy
- failure to exploit human potential
- waiting - time wasted for next steps
- inventory - large stocks can make cluttered environments
- overproduction - waste can occur if too many goods and not enough sales
- defects - scrapped and improved
- over processing - no more work than necessary.
