Improve Phase

Improve Phase Activities:

The outcome of the Analyse Phase determined the activities to be completed in the IMPROVE phase. The areas that were considered as the key areas which would reduce rework in the Change Request process included the following:

(1)   SYSTEM: Update the electronic system used to process change requests to add further ‘prompts’ in the system which would mandate certain information to be added by the originator of the change.

(2)   PROCEDURES: Multiple procedures are in place to outline the requirements regarding change requests. Additional guidance also in place. Mandate the use of the guidance document. Also update of the guidance document to divide into critical sections, rather than current detail which combines all requirements in one place.

(3)   TRAINING: Cross functional training to re-emphasize the required content for Change Requests.

The following DMAIC Tools were used during the IMPROVE phase:

(1)   Prioritization Matrix:

Many forms of this tool are widely available using weighted and unweighted scoring of potential solutions.  See below a customized prioritization matrix which considers business needs in relation to each proposed solution as outlined below:

 

  

(2)   Brainstorming: Brainstorming was completed by the project team members classify each of the proposed solutions into a defined category for presentation to the Project Champion and Management to determine the resources (personnel and financial) support available to implement the proposed solutions.

(3)   Who/What/When: For each of the proposed solutions, the project team assigned an owner of the task, an outline of what activity was to be completed and a completion date.