ABSTRACT
Productivity improvement is getting more product output with the same or less input. Continuous incremental improvement includes the elimination of non-value-added activities (e.g. waste) from processes and the removal of obstacles to material and information flow. Sustainable improvements require a stable operating foundation upon which changes can be implemented and take root. Developing the knowledge and skills of organizational personnel, to drive efficiency improvements, can be realized through a learning/action model that applies knowledge in real-time and in real-life situations. Quality Circles usually involve a group of individuals or employees who meet periodically to solve work-related problems or issues to improve performance in their area of responsibility. Employees are one of the best sources for improvement ideas. The DMAIC, define, measure, analyze, improve, and control, methodology is a disciplined, data-driven approach for improving the quality and efficiency of an organization’s operational and transactional processes.
