Ops571_Process_Improvement

Process Improvement Plan Kyatana S. Derrett University of Phoenix OPS/571 March 21, 2011 Lloyd Krieger Statistical process control (SPC) has the capability to provide a crucial analytical tool to properly understand in case a process comprises any flaws (Chase, Jacobs, & Aquilano, 2006). It also makes it easier to make a decision about any variation related to quality control and its capability to make a process become more effective. The control chart (Figure 1.1) provides the measurements of 4 weeks of data that have been plotted (Figure 1.2) based on Monday through Friday and the amount of time that it took to get our meals ready per the flowchart (Figure 1.3). Correct statistical evaluation, in conjunction with appropriate planning, provides useful data to make correct decisions depending on the relevant data that was gathered. Planning is important when you're thinking of the analysis of this type of process so as to reach the ideal result (Chase et al., 2006). A possible reason behind the variation in the amount of time it takes to prepare our food in the morning is the fact that there are several obstacles in the way. The major obstacle is inefficiencies of my family members not planning ahead and another being the failure to adhere to the established schedule. In this scenario, the process is not flawed but rather the users of the process are flawed. It has become a matter of will more than capacity or capability. There is more than enough time and food available to make the process run smoothly, and if the family were to only follow the morning kitchen guidelines, the flow would be virtually free from bottlenecks. With spring being here and summer quickly approaching, there will be a marked reduction in the amount of time required for the morning routine. These two seasons bring about a change in the eating habits and routines of my children, which takes them out of the process almost completely. Summer, obviously means no school, so there is no need to pack a lunch or prepare breakfast at 7am. The heavy rains and fog that spring brings normally means the girls will be getting a ride to school with a buddy. This means they will eat breakfast at school to make sure they do not miss their ride. These are seasonal factors that will speed up the process. Once school starts back up and fall and winter roll in there will more than likely be a hiccup in the process due to all four of us being back in the kitchen. We will have to be more stringent in the methods used to avoid bottlenecks. One possible method would include moving the process to a more expedient time period in which the bottleneck may have additional capability. For instance, I could buy more packaged and processed foods which would allow lunches to be made at night. I do not particularly care for these items, but the kitchen is considerably less occupied at night and that would lessen the burden in the morning. This, consequently, would enable the kids to just grab their lunch from the fridge each morning without needing to prepare anything. This may be a more expensive and less healthy alternative, but it will decrease the potential bottleneck’s capability to slow down the overall movement. The control chart shows the outcomes of the data that was gathered, and can and will be utilized to determine, assess, and hopefully improve the movement while simultaneously using the suitable control factors in the process. Only 4 weeks have been reviewed thus far, but data will be continuously gathered to make sure the process maintains quality and constant process improvement. Although the sample size is small, it will suffice in determining an estimation of the population mean. Simply by noticing and documenting the measurements for an extended period, the mean would be much better understood, and as a result, the control restrictions may turn out to be changed. Although the process doesn't seem to be out-of-control, long-term information may display even more control and the standard deviation may be much more practical. Figure 1.1 |Control Chart for Morning Routine | | | | | | |Report Date: |3/21/2011 | | | | | | | |Duration: 4 weeks |2/22/2011 | | | | | | | |End date: |3/21/2011 | | | | | | | |Desired level |100% | | | | Apollo Group Chase, R. B., Jacobs, F. R., & Aquilano, N. J, (2006). Operations Management for Competitive Advantage (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill/Irwin.