Why formalize root cause analysis? There are many approaches to determining the root of our problems. In the automotive world, there are two typical approaches, the 8D or the 8 Discipline, or the A3 (named for the paper size). We will not go into the details of either of these approaches but you can find […]
Communication and Project Team Distribution There are times when our business does not have all the requisite talent within the walls of the organization. It is nearly impossible to be fully prepared for every opportunity available, and the business and time investment in expertise that is only transitory seldom passes muster. However, when we build […]
Learning and Product Development By now, we should all understand the need for speed when it comes to product development, but not just any speed, it is the need for speed of learning. This is one of the benefits of an agile approach, but this benefit is not restricted to a development methodology, unless of […]
By:” Shawn P. Quigley Whereas we have discussed some of the possible flaws in measurements we can all still agree that they are needed to provide both improvement in processes and the organization. However, other aspects of obtaining data for the production of quantifiable information: trend analysis and process evaluation, is the human factor both […]
We are composing a glossary of test terms and we take one from that work today and discuss here. A development organization can be structured in many ways. The development and testing can be essentially one department under one management structure, or these two areas, development and test can be separated each with a respective […]
To really find the areas for cost improvement we must let go of our mental impediments to uncovering these opportunities. It is very probable that there are plenty of cost improvement possibilities. However, in our daily work execution we may not find the time to free our minds to consider these possibilities. A brainstorming exercise can go far to fuel the imagination, to open a “space” to think laterally at what may be possible. We have successfully employed this technique to:
You will find this very difficult to believe, but I recently had a discussion with a person working at another company. This person is responsible for the statistical analysis of the work that other parts of the organization is to perform. Those looking for the information come to this person to make some sense out […]
There is considerable writing on creating and being a team player. There is much more to this than platitudes and poetic prose. Some time’s the saying team player is preceded by saying you are not being a – team player. One should especially fear this admonishment or condemnation. It may not mean you are in […]
Fit Small Business posting on Top 27 Company Culture Ideas from the Pros. Check out our contribution. The manager must demonstrate what is the epitome of the expected culture. It helps to be egalitarian regarding power in the organization. Your job title should not dampen the discussion or the ideas from the team. I have […]
The Sandbox There are times, when every conversation you have with one of your colleagues or family member just brings up a myriad of potential posts for a blog. The latest discussion was around clean your own sandbox. We have written about this in the past, but from a prioritization perspective, that is, why solve […]