...Process Improvement : Prioritization and Scientific Approach What is a process? A process is no more than the steps and decisions involved in the way work is accomplished. Everything we do in our lives involves processes and lots of them. Examples: ( writing a work order, conducting a drill, performing a test ) Who owns processes? Everyone has a stake in one or more processes. Groups of individuals usually share in—and “own”—the activities which make up a process. But the one individual who is ultimately responsible and accountable for the proper working of the process is known as the “process owner.” The process owner is the immediate supervisor or leader who has control over the entire process from beginning to end. A process owner may choose to be a team leader and participate directly in the actions of a process improvement team. Or, the process owner may decide to delegate the team leadership role to another person who is knowledgeable about the process. Whatever the case, it is very important for the process owner to stay informed about the team’s actions and decisions affecting the process. What is process improvement? “Process improvement” means making things better, not just fighting fires or managing crises. It means setting aside the customary practice of blaming people for problems or failures. It is a way of looking at how we can do our work better. When we take a problem-solving approach or simply try to fix what’s broken, we may never...
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...bathroom is old and outdated or your kitchen is in need of a major overhaul, Jorgensen Home Improvements is here to help. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the home remodeling industry, we proudly serve the Des Moines area with comprehensive remodeling services at an affordable rate. When you work with us, you can rest assured that we will provide you with the personalized service you deserve. In addition to outstanding customer service and flexible scheduling, you can look forward to free estimates as well. Our unwavering dedication to exceeding client expectations is what drives us to continue offering a wide range of services that include, but are not limited to,...
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... Table of Contents LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 4 ABSTRACT 5 INTRODUCTION 6 Background 6 Business Process Improvement…………….….6 Types of Process Improvement………………… 7 Problem…………………………………………………………………7 Purpose…………………………………………………………………7 Scope…………………………………………………………………..7 DISCUSSION…………………………………………………………………8 Types of process improvement………………………….8 Six Sigma………………………………………………….8 Lean………………………………………………………….9 Barriers to Business process improvement…….10 Implementing Business process improvement in the public sector…………………………………………..11 Requirements………………………………………….11 Where to Implement……….……………………..12 Results……………………………………………………..13 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………13 Recommendations……………………………………………………..14 References………………………………………………………………….15 List of Illustrations Figure 1 Five Steps of Lean………………………………………………………….9 Abstract This report investigates how business process improvement can successfully enhance the State Bar as an organization by reducing waste, increasing efficiency, improving compliance and boosting staff satisfaction. Achieving the benefits of this process improvement will allow the State Bar to continue its level of service without increases in revenue. Additionally, using business process improvement will help the State Bar avoid past risks that have affected day to day operations. Technology enhancements and skills training have increased...
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...Introduction: Business process management is one way organizations can imbibe the culture and framework for production efficiency and continual quality improvement (Okaland, 2003). Since the values and success of TQM are best archived when the organization as a whole accepts, understand and adheres to the guiding practice and processes established as enablers towards achieving results, it can then be said that an organizations business process model or framework should recognize all relevant stakeholders (both internal and external) and incorporate operation intricacies of these stakeholders into the overall quality improvement plan. Turbit (2005) made emphasis that once an organization establishes its primary mission the business process model of any of its functioning units should be aimed at achieving the primary objective while fitting in with other processes. Hence the overall process modeling needs to take into account all the activities that goes into achieving the defined objectives. Challenge of first-tier contractors in quality improvement: The activities of first-tier contractor can be related to realizing set quality improvement depending on how well the activities of these contractors are integrated into the development of the QMS processes of the organization. Segmenting the activities of the organizations into clusters of processes rather than departments is a key element which enables the organization tailor its activities towards delivering customer centric...
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...Research in Information Technology The Bi-annual Publication of the ACM Special Interest Group for Information Technology Education In This Issue: The Editor’s Note Information for Authors Feature Article: Risk Forecast Using Hidden Markov Models, by Charles Pak and James Cannady, Nova Southeastern University 1 2 4 Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Rob Friedman, New Jersey Institute of Technology email: friedman@njit.edu The Editor’s Note RIT continues its efforts to disseminate fresh ideas and new knowledge based on our scholarly pursuits in user-centered computing. Our mission is to publish peer-reviewed articles that present original research findings germane to the theories and practices of information technology. We seek papers that present substantive additions, comments and challenges to the theory and practice of programming, networking, information management, web systems and user-centered design. This issue presents an example of research continuity and progress. Charles Pak and James Cannady have expanded their previously published research into Hidden Markov Models as an approach to apprising IT security analysts, managers and administrators of changes to the nature and intensity of the threats that plague our increasingly networked world. As the authors conclude, “The research results of this study offer a valuable contribution to the field of information security. When risk can be forecasted before the actual risk materializes, stakeholders can effectively...
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...There are some weaknesses we found in the Apple company web site that we need to improve. As we know, the weakness of the Apple Company websites ( www.apple.com.my ) are less promotion event, lack of introduction video on every product, the comparison system and others. Therefore, Apple Company should take action as soon as possible on their weakness to become their strength and compete with their competitors. So there are several ways to improve the weakness of the Apple Company website which are increase promotion in Apple company web site, add video that can explain more specification information about the product and have comparison system with other company product. Firstly, the way to improve problem of less promotion event is increase promotion in Apple company web site. As we know Apple products are very popular among people especially teenagers even products of Apple are very expensive but have high quality. Even though Apple did promotion on their official website before this such as Back To School Promotion 2014 but it’s only limited to some countries (Apple Rebate, 2015). So, Apple should do more promotions that open for all countries. Besides, do more promotions of devices and accessories on Apple webpage. Apple products costlier as compared to other brands but have high quality so, people will take the opportunity to purchase Apple products when there are promotions especially promotion in the website. Secondly, add video that can explain more specification information...
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...A Strategic Analysis of Home Depot GM599 A Strategic Analysis of Home Depot Introduction The Home Depot (NYSE: HD) is a home improvement, construction products and services retailer operating over 2,000 big-box stores in the United States and abroad. The Home Depot was founded in 1978 by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank with the vision of one-stop shopping for do-it-yourself (DIY) customers, installation services for do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers and competitive products for the professional market. Their DIFM installation programs include products such as carpeting, flooring, cabinets, countertops, and water heaters. In addition, the company provides installation of various professional products like generators and HVAC systems. The Home Depot developed strategic product alliances directly with industry-leading manufacturers to deliver the most exclusive assortments to customers. Through a combination of national brands and proprietary products The Home Depot exclusively carries several major brands, including: BEHR Paint, G.E., Martha Stewart Living and Thomasville, which sets the standard for the do-it-yourselfer and the professional contractor. The Home Depot revolutionized the home improvement industry by bringing the know-how and the tools to the consumer and by saving them money. According to the founders, the customer has a bill of rights at The Home Depot, and this entitles the customer to the right assortment, quantities and price, along with trained associates...
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...Home Depot vs. Lowe’s Retail Home Improvement Financial Analysis Background Introduction The home improvement sector of the economy is large with two major players in the industry and with many smaller local and regional competitors. These two major competitors are Home Depot and Lowe’s. These two companies account for over $110 billion in total sales each year. Even though sales have gone down over the past few years due to the downturn in the economy they have not gone down nearly as much as home sales and this is due to more people deciding to do more home improvements to their own home then buying a new home. Both of these companies have been able to keep up sales and increase them year over year by improving current stores and at the same time expanding both here in the United States and overseas. Company introduction Home Depot The Home Depot also known as Home Depot is a retailer of home improvement and construction products and services. The Home Depot was founded in 1978. The Home Depot operates 2,242 stores across the United States in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Sales within the United States were over $77 billion in 2010. The Home Depot also operates internationally in Canada, Mexico and China. Lowe’s Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a retail home improvement and appliance stores and also does construction. Lowe’s was founded in 1946 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Lowe’s operates 1,710 stores...
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...Purpose. There are many reasons to conduct chart reviews such a required by a regulatory agency, justification of billing, and research. Another frequently used purpose of a chart review is to assist in measuring quality of care. This measurement is then used to help determine if a change in process is needed to improvement patient outcomes. There are several models used in process improvement including Juran’s Universal Sequence for Quality Improvement, the Seven-step problem-solving model, FOCUS-PDCA and Six-Sigma DMAIC (Langley, Moen, Nolan, Nolan, Norman & Provost, 2009). Chart reviews can be an integral step in all of these models in gleaning data to measure the depth of the problem or if it even exists. This paper will compare the advantages and disadvantages of reviewing charts, describe the basic considerations in performing chart reviews, and describe issues that can threaten the validity of data. Lastly, this paper will look closer at the Six-Sigma DMAIC process as this is the methodology used to guide process improvement in the facility for which this information is being obtained. Background. In 1966, Donabedian stated that the quality of health care is measured by structure, process, and outcome observation. Structure measurement includes resource quality, availability and accessibility (Donabedian, 1966). Process measurement looks at the health care services that clinicians and providers deliver (Donabedian, 1966). Outcome measurement is the end result...
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... Home Depot Incorporated Home Depot is a retailer, which is one of the fastest Corporations in the United States. In the early 80s, the company went public with NASDAQ and join with the New York Stock Exchange. There was a tremendous growth in the company between the 80s and 90s. Home Depot began putting home improvement centers in Canada in 1994 and Mexico in 2001. The company expanded the business to China forming a 12 store chain called The Home Way in 2006. The company also develops a strategic alliance with manufacturers leading in the industry to give customers exclusive products. Home Depot advertises different national brands to set standards for the merchandise use by professional contractors and customers. Home Depot has offices in China, Canada, U.S., India, and Mexico. The company is enhancing the relationships between the customers and the manufacturers and changing the customer’s confidence in the international suppliers. The two largest companies in the industry, which is Home Depot and Lowes, are the high entry barriers. These companies hold the high cost to maintain the success factors with other companies. The home improvement industry key factors for success are to sell products, meet reasonable pricing, and distribution in the company (Home Depot History, 2013). Home Depot and Web Use The challenge that Home Depot faces is finding for a way to expedite assess of the strategic information between the store managers and district manager. The...
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...Operation Management The value proposition of Home Depot is to bring unparalleled value to its customers who will most likely make decisions based on value, the best level of customer assistance, convenience of store location and wide assortment product offering. By solving their customer’s home improvement dilemmas, Home Depot offers a unique shopping experience by using the it's own operation strategy to deliver it’s value proposition and meet demand. The home improvement industry is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the world. The global home improvement market is expected to grow at a yearly rate of 2.5% between 2010 and 2015, according to Market Line. The market has a predicted 2015 worth of almost $678 billion. In 2010, building materials led the overall market, generating $389 billion in profit, or 65% of the overall market. So the market demand of Home depot is predictable. According to its 10-K report, “We buy our store merchandise from suppliers located throughout the world and are not dependent on any single supplier. Most of our merchandise is purchased directly from manufacturers, which eliminates ‘middleman’ costs” (Home Depot Inc, 2010). This suggests that due to the diverse supply chain and many suppliers, there is no threat of bargaining. Home Depot also “formed strategic alliances and exclusive relationships with selected suppliers to market products under a variety of well-recognized brand names” (Home Depot Inc, 2010). This suggests that...
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...the major players involved with a process improvement (PI) task. Group and individual responsibilities are highlighted. However, your organization may require more—or fewer—groups. Also note that one person can fulfill many of these roles simultaneously or serially, depending on the size of your organization and the complexity of your process improvement effort. Process Improvement Champions, Sponsors, and Groups Process improvement efforts generally require the following individuals and groups: PI Sponsor—The person from the organization responsible for overseeing the entire PI effort. This person generally has the power to allocate funds and personnel. This person is usually at the directorate level or above. PI Champion—This is the public relations person for the PI effort. This personmay or may not also serve as the EPG Lead. This person markets the idea, approach, and results of PI. Engineering Process Group (EPG) Lead—This person leads the group thatreviews processes. This person assigns tasks to the EPG members, monitors their efforts, and plans the daily duties of the EPG. Interpreting the CMMI. A process Improvement Approach. Second Edition. Margaret K.Kulpa, Kent A.Johnson Página 1 EPG Members—these individuals serve on the EPG as committee members. They are responsible for ensuring that process improvement documentation is written and followed. They are also responsible for generating metrics totrack the process improvement process. They lead the PATs. Process Action...
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........................................................................... 22. SECURITY ANALYST’S REPORTS: .................................................................... 25. DIVIDEND and CAPITAL STRUCTURE: .............................................................. 26. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE: ............................................................................ 28. MERGER and INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY: .................................................... 29. REFERENCES: ..................................................................................................... 30. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The attached report analyzes the financial position of The Home Depot. Home Depot (HD) is the largest U. S. home improvement retailer as well as the fastest growing retailer in U.S. history. The company was founded in 1978 by four gentlemen who had a vision for a one stop shop for do-it-yourselfers. The company’s headquarters is in Atlanta, Georgia and has...
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...Problem 2 Build-Rite construction has received favorable publicity from guest appearances on a public TV home improvement program. Public TV programming decisions seem to be unpredictable, so Build –Rite cannot estimate the probability of continued benefits from it relationship with the show. Demand for home improvements next year may be either low or high. But Build-Rite must decide now whether to hire more employees, do nothing, or develop subcontracts with other home improvement contractors. Build-Rite has developed the following payoff table. Payoffs Demand For Home Improvements Alternative Low Moderate High Hire ($250,000) $100,000 $625,000 Subcontract $100,000 $150,000 $415,000 Do nothing $50,000 $80,000 $300,000 What is the decision based on each of the following criteria. Show work in making the decision for each criterion: a) Maximax b) Maximin c) Criterion of realism with coefficient of realism = 0.7 d) Equally likely e) Minimax regret Use the tables given below. a) Optimistic or Maximax Criterion Payoffs Demand For Home Improvements Alternative Low Moderate High Hire ($250,000) $100,000 $625,000 Subcontract $100,000 $150,000 $415,000 Do nothing $50,000 $80,000 $300,000 Decision: b) Pessimistic or Maximin Criterion Payoffs Demand For Home Improvements Alternative Low Moderate High Hire ($250,000) $100,000 $625,000 Subcontract $100,000 $150,000 $415...
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...Products and Services For most people, their home is the biggest financial and emotional investment they make. Through a variety of innovative merchandise and services, The Home Depot’s goal is to help consumers create the home of their dreams whether they want to do it themselves or have it done for them. In addition we offer specialized support and services for professional contractors and tradespeople to ensure they have the right tools and supplies for the job site. Products: Our store inventory consists of up to 40,000 different kinds of building materials, home improvement supplies, appliances and lawn and garden products for all of your project needs. Selections may vary from store to store because The Home Depot stores are always stocked with merchandise that is localized to match your area's specific market needs. We even offer a low price guarantee to beat anyone's advertised specials. And if for some reason you can't find it in the stores, we offer 250,000 other products that we can special order for you. Services Home Services Instead of doing it themselves, many customers choose to have qualified professionals complete home renovation projects for them. The Home Depot Home Services offers national installation services through pre-screened independent contractors for products ranging from floors to roofs, windows to water heaters, and kitchen cabinets to vinyl siding. Customers can call 1-800-HOMEDEPOT to schedule a free in-home consultation or learn more...
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