ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the steps involved in actually putting together plans for improvement. The act of locking in on problems sows the seeds for improvement; strict separation of observing and brainstorming is an invariable condition for generating many improvements. Brainstorming must focus solely on generating ideas without any type of criticism. Brainstorming, in which various ideas for improvement are proposed, is a creative process, while judgment, in which specific aspects of ideas are rejected, is a critical process. The superior improvement scheme uses little money and a great deal of resourcefulness. Idea formulation for improvement can be broadly categorized into two groups: elimination and optimization. If various operations can be treated as exceptions, the management process is greatly simplified. Ideas generated by brainstorming are the product of momentary mental flashes. Idea formulation ultimately depends on creativity. The most powerful weapon for bringing about improvement is a willingness to try.