Blog Post #14: Implementing a Lean Process

For the documentation, list/describe the waste you have identified and explain the process change you have implemented. Either collect some data that demonstrate your improvement, or realistically estimate the effect that your improvement will have on your process.

The following is in response of the assignment above:

For my lean process I chose to put my effort towards eliminating Inventory waste.  I have a small 3-drawer unit where I keep all of the supplies I need to do homework and any other kind of work I need to do.  These drawers are pretty messy and there are plenty of items that aren’t needed and get in the way of work.  During my lean process, I moved a lot of items out of the drawers and organized them so I wouldn’t have to dig for things I was looking for and I knew where everything was.  In one drawer I had many pencils and pens that didn’t work that I removed.  Also in that drawer I had things like scissors, a 3-hole punch, calculator, and rulers.  I moved these items out and put them in another drawer so I could separate writing utensils from those items.  This makes it easier to find things I need and will allow me to work faster and not get distracted.  I also had a lot of cords in another drawer that were tangled and not easy to get, so I rearranged that drawer to make the cords a lot easier to have access to and now I can get at the other items in that drawer.  This can help with little stressors and help with efficiency and speed of completing work.

Blog Post #13: Criteria For Evaluation

The following criteria will be used to evaluate my group members on our final project.  Each member will be ranked in numerical order (based off of this criteria) with the exception of myself. 

1.      Participation:

a.       researching topics

b.      adding to the conversation

c.       asking questions

d.      attendance in group meeting and class

2.      contributions

a.       quality effort

3.      Tasks accomplished

a.       follow the timeline established by the group

4.      professionalism
5.      communication

Blog Post #12: 5S Process

Post a record of a 5S process that you have completed. Post a before and after picture. Also, post a short narrative of how you addressed each of the "8s's" of the 5S process. Due Nov 11.

The 5S methodology is a program used to organize a workplace or area.  A list of Japanese words directs how to conduct this organization for a work space to be efficient and effective.  By storing items, maintaining the area and new organization work can be done faster, easier and simpler.  The 5S project I completed was my desk/work space at my college home which I use for homework and any other work I need to get done.  The before and after pictures are attached to this post.

Before

After

The 5 S’s of this program are Seiri (Sorting), Seiton (Straightening or setting in order), Seiso (Sweeping or shining or cleanliness/Systematic cleaning), Seiketsu (Standardizing), Shitsuke (Sustaining the discipline or self-discipline), and there are 3 more words that have been added to this methodology; they are Safety, Security and Satisfaction.  I accomplished Sorting by going through the drawers I had at my desk and took out unnecessary items, such as pens or pencils that didn’t work or tools that didn’t need to be there.  I moved my lamp in a better position and added another cabinet/shelf for more space for my things.  I also sorted through some lists I didn’t need and condensed them.  Straightening or setting in order was done by rearranging my printer and drawers so I would have more space to do my work.  The drawers were organized so each drawer has a specific category.  Shelves close by were also reorganized so I could utilize them for items I might need while at my desk.  For Systematic cleaning I dusted my printer to keep it clean and I will keep the desk clean and ordered.  For Standardizing I equipped my drawers and shelves with everything I can think of that I will need for the type of work I do at my desk.  Because this is a new and better system I will be using Sustaining the discipline will be done by keeping the organization I have now and only changing things for efficiency sake.  Safety was achieved by adding a power strip on my plug-in with a circuit breaker so if I possibly overload the circuit I won’t blow a fuse.  Security is accomplished by moving any valuables I had in my desk area elsewhere so they can’t be easily found.  Satisfaction will be obtained by working more efficiently and hopefully seeing the benefits. 

Blog Post #11: Quality Management

Identify and describe a quality management process that is utilized in your field of interest. Typically this process is in response or guided by a professional organization in that field. Identify that organization.

In response to the directions above: 

The field of interest I am searching is Physical Therapy.  The product quality of physical therapy can’t be measured instruments or scales, but most accurately by the patients undergoing the physical therapy treatment.  Surveys are a good way of getting this information of quality.  The system used by HSM, Inc. (Health Services Management) is used with the different health services companies they partners with, including physical therapy companies.  “Patient satisfaction is measured with a modified Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Survey (CAHPS). A random sample of patients will receive the satisfaction survey and an outside agency will handle the mailing, data collection and reporting. This survey also includes questions to monitor functional outcome and quality of the services provided.”  This is a statement from the HSM, Inc. website describing the survey used to help manage satisfaction and quality of the health service.  “The Health Plan Survey asks enrollees about their recent experiences with health plans and their services. This standardized survey was designed to support consumers in assessing the performance of health plans and choosing the plans that best meet their needs. Health plans can also use the survey results to identify their strengths and weaknesses and target areas for improvement.” 

https://www.hsminc.com/ReadArticle.asp?articleId=90

http://www.cahps.ahrq.gov/Surveys-Guidance/HP/About-HP.aspx