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The Next Generation of Continuous Improvement for Knowledge Work
Applies lean thinking and continuous improvement cycles to a broad range of knowledge work, including IT, product development, sales and management
George Ellis (Author)
9780128095195, Elsevier Science
Paperback, published 13 June 2020
500 pages
22.9 x 15.1 x 3.1 cm, 0.75 kg
Improve: The Next Generation of Continuous Improvement for Knowledge Work presents lean thinking for professionals, those who Peter Drucker called knowledge workers. It translates the brilliant insights from Toyota’s factory floor to the desktops of engineers, marketers, attorneys, accountants, doctors, managers, and all those who "think for a living." The Toyota Production System (TPS) was born a century ago to an almost unknown car maker who today is credited with starting the third wave of the Industrial Revolution. TPS principles, better known as lean thinking or continuous improvement, are simple: increase customer value, cut hidden waste, experiment to learn, and respect others. As simple as they are, they are difficult to apply to the professions, probably because of the misconception that knowledge work is wholly non-repetitive. But much of our everyday work does repeat, and in great volume: approvals, problem-solving, project management, hiring, and prioritization are places where huge waste hides. Eliminate waste and you delight customers and clients, increase financial performance, and grow professional job satisfaction, because less waste means more success and more time for expertise and creativity. This book is a valuable resource for leaders of professional teams who want to improve productivity, quality, and engagement in their organizations.
Foreword xiii Endorsements xv Preface xvii Acknowledgments xxi 1. 30% of what you think is wrong 1 2. A brilliant insight 17 3. Creating value from knowledge work 41 4. The lean equation 51 5. DIMINISH: Recognizing the 8 Wastes of Knowledge Work 65 6. Simplify, engage, and experiment 77 7. Reduce Waste #1: Discord 109 8. Reduce Waste #2: Information Friction 141 9. Reduce Waste #3: More-is-Better Thinking 165 10. Reduce Waste #4: Inertia to Change 207 11. Reduce Waste #5: No-Win Contests 219 12. Reduce Waste #6: Inferior Problem Solving 229 13. Reduce Waste #7: Solution Blindness 253 14. Reduce Waste #8: Hidden Errors 269 15. Standardize workflow 287 16. Workflow improvement cycle 311 17. Workflow—Checklists and expert rule sets 321 18. Workflow—Problem Solve-Select 333 19. Workflow—Visual management for initiatives and projects 345 20. Workflow—Visual management with buffer 367 21. Workflow—Kanban and Kamishibai: Just-In-Time Rationalization 401 22. Workflow—Putting out “fires? 427 23. Workflow—Visualizing revenue gaps 439 24. Workflow—Leadership review of knowledge work 451
Subject Areas: Structural engineering [TNC], Industrial chemistry & manufacturing technologies [TD]
