Jamison V. Kovach

Multiresponse optimization using multivariate process capability index

Robust design is an efficient method for product and process improvement which combines experimentation with optimization to create a system that is less sensitive to uncontrollable variation. In this article, a simple and integrated modeling methodology for robust design is proposed. This methodology achieves the robustness objective function and input variables constraints simultaneously. The objective function is written in terms of the multivariate process capability vector (MCpm) of several competing features of the system under study. The proposed methodology is applicable to general functions of the system performance with random variables. The effectiveness of the methodology is verified using two real-world examples which are compared with those of other robust design methods. Copyright

Reducing Welding Defects in Turnaround Projects: A Lean Six Sigma Case Study

ABSTRACT In the construction industry, successful project completion leads to customer satisfaction. Schedule delays, however, may be caused by unexpected downtime due to rework/repair. This case study describes how one specialty construction company used the Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce welding defects in turnaround projects. As a result, they improved project performance and identified solutions that were implemented company-wide. From a broader perspective, this research demonstrates how Lean Six Sigma can be applied in service-based environments such as turnaround projects. It also provides evidence of the tangible benefits that can be achieved within specialty construction operations using process improvement strategies.

The influence of continuous improvement practices on learning: An empirical study

Note: Review of this paper was conducted by Dr. James R. Evans, editor emeritus of the Quality Management Journal. This paper examines whether continuous improvement practices (CIPs) directly affect organizational improvement, or whether their impact on improvement is mediated by learning, which then leads to improved performance. A survey instrument was developed using both prior scales and new items. The collected responses were then analyzed using structural equation modeling techniques, which suggested that the maturity of a firms use of CIPs fully mediated the effects of CIPs and learning on organizational improvement. These findings provide evidence that it is essential for a firm to create an organizational structure to support continuous improvement and to help make continuous improvement the way the firm does its work.

Learning During Design for Six Sigma Projects—A Preliminary Investigation in Behavioral Healthcare

Abstract As individual members of an organization engage in activities, such as continuous quality improvement efforts, they learn. However, it is not yet well known what impact this type of learning has on individuals/teams within organizations. To examine this issue, this research used an action research, multiple case study approach to examine the use of structured, continuous quality improvement methods in behavioral/mental healthcare organizations. It explored how the use of Design for Six Sigma generated individual learning among team members as they worked to improve their organization by designing/redesigning their operational processes. Findings suggest that learning occurs through hands-on practice and guidance/support from others. In addition, communication, collaboration, and teamwork helped to overcome some of the challenges faced and facilitate learning.

Developing a Policies and Procedures Manual for a Consumer Lending Department: A Design for Six Sigma Case Study

Abstract: This case study describes how a financial institution successfully used the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology to create a policies and procedures manual to eliminate compliance gaps and improve the lending process for its bankers and customers. The Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify approach was used to define the process, identify and evaluate critical user needs against defined metrics, and develop design attributes/features used in the manuals development. The acceptance of the manual by the bankers demonstrates the effectiveness of DFSS in establishing a value-enabling element for the banking process that fully addresses the needs of its users.

Integration of project management, human resource development, and business teams: a partnership, planning model for organizational training and development initiatives

The changing business environment has challenged organizations to explore unique ways to ensure the success of online training initiatives. Thus, project teams, including training managers, should not only support organizational training and development initiatives; but, they also need to use project-focused, planning models for implementation. This paper proposes a model that is an extension of the model for business and training partnership developed by Price. The proposed model includes the integration of project management, human resource development (HRD), and business teams in order to enhance the success of training implementations through a sequential, planned framework. The model includes phases, best practices, and supporting tools to assist in managing and administering training and development projects. The approach developed in this research includes an account of the activities associated with initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing processes for an online training initiative conducted in an oil and gas organization. This research also discusses implications of the proposed model for HRD professionals, because they are typically the champion of training and development initiatives within organizations today.

Rethinking Behavioral Health Processes by Using Design for Six Sigma

Clinical evidence-based practices are strongly encouraged and commonly utilized in the behavioral health community. However, evidence-based practices that are related to quality improvement processes, such as Design for Six Sigma, are often not used in behavioral health care. This column describes the unique partnership formed between a behavioral health care provider in the greater Pittsburgh area, a nonprofit oversight and monitoring agency for behavioral health services, and academic researchers. The authors detail how the partnership used the multistep process outlined in Design for Six Sigma to completely redesign the providers intake process. Implementation of the redesigned process increased access to care, decreased bad debt and uncollected funds, and improved cash flow--while consumer satisfaction remained high.

A Preliminary Investigation of Exploration-Oriented, Learning Behaviors for Managing Project Quality

Customers are typically dissatisfied when projects fail to meet requirements and/or expectations. While effectively managing projects requires balancing competing constraints, quality is one aspect of project management that has not been widely explored. To address this issue, this research investigated the characteristics of learning/exploration used to support managing project quality. This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with information technology IT project managers to identify learning/exploration-oriented approaches currently used in project-based environments. Analysis of the data obtained through interviews identified characteristics of learning/exploration used in projects and these findings were validated through a focus group with additional IT project managers. Based on this research, an approach is proposed that provides specific insights for project managers about using exploratory practices. When coupled with traditional project quality management processes, these learning/exploratory activities may help to enhance ambidexterity within project-based organizations and improve project quality outcomes.

Error proofing healthcare: an analysis of low cost, easy to implement and effective solutions

Purpose – This study aims to provide healthcare managers with a meaningful synthesis of state of the art knowledge on error proofing strategies. The purpose is to provide a foundation for understanding medical error prevention, to support the strategic deployment of error proofing strategies, and facilitate the development and implementation of new error proofing strategies.Design/methodology/approach – A diverse panel of 40 healthcare professionals evaluated the 150 error proofing strategies presented in the AHRQ research monograph using classification systems developed by earlier researchers. Error proofing strategies were ranked based on effectiveness, cost, and ease of implementation as well as based on their aim/purpose, i.e. elimination, replacement, facilitation, detection, or mitigation of errors.Findings – The findings of this study include prioritized lists of error proofing strategies from the AHRQ manual based on the preferred characteristics (i.e. effectiveness, cost, ease of implementation) ...

Achieving aggressive goals through Lean Six Sigma: A case study to improve revenue collection

ABSTRACT Lean Six Sigma is typically used to address tightly scoped issues through short-term projects (four–six months). Yet, many improvement efforts have aggressive goals that cannot be addressed in a short timeframe. This research provides an example regarding how to use the Lean Six Sigma methodology iteratively to address a vigorous improvement goal. Within a subsea oil and gas service provider, this approach led to changes in the billing process that reduced the time-to-invoice by approximately 50 percent. While all Lean Six Sigma tools are not used in this case study, methods tapping into expertise within the organization are demonstrated.