Choosing the Right Map

Note: The discussion questions for last week and this week will help you prepare for your first assignment, Part A of your Operational Excellence Course Project, due in Week 4. Before beginning this discussion question, review the Course Project overview on pp. 16-17 of the Course Guide.

In Part A of your Course Project, you will create a detailed map of the current state of the workflow from input to output for the operational improvement initiative you are focusing on. In your initial post:

Include a brief SIPOC synopsis of the main components of the business process or workflow you will be addressing in Part A of your Course Project.
Identify the type of map (Value Stream, Detailed Swim Lane, or Detailed Process) will you create to document the current state.
Explain why this map type the best choice for your initiative.

 Inside the World’s Best Companies

Choice of process types is a strategic decision. Effective management of a chosen process type can be the difference between a winning and losing business.

After reviewing this week’s course materials, specifically the OM Reading: “Designing, Managing, and Improving Operations,” locate and share an article or video that illustrates how an organization has leveraged one or more process types to become a world leader.

In your initial post, explain:

Why the choice of operational processes used by this organization have allowed it to establish a sustainable competitive advantage.
What lessons can operations managers and leaders take from this example?