Title: Getting better all the time: the future of business improvement methodology

Authors: Ronald D. Snee

Addresses: Tunnell Consulting, 900 East Eighth Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406–1324, USA

Abstract: An evaluation of trends in the development and use of business improvement methodology is presented. It is conjectured that the next generation of improvement methodology will integrate the best aspects of currently used approaches such as Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, ISO 9000 and Baldrige assessment, thereby streamlining the improvement methodology and increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the approach. It is argued that the resulting approach needs to be more than just a methodology for conducting improvement projects. Type of culture (business and ethnic), function, leadership, management systems and other factors must also be taken into account. The characteristic of a holistic approach to improvement that accomplishes these goals is presented.

Keywords: holistic improvement; lean manufacturing; six sigma; Baldrige assessment; statistical thinking; business improvement; business performance; ISO 9000.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2007.017174

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2007 Vol.3 No.4, pp.305 - 316

Published online: 17 Feb 2008 *

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