Module Four: Improving and Innovating Process Performance

Many organizations attempt to improve and innovate processes by applying tried-and-true techniques. However, traditional thinking rarely results in lasting breakthrough performance. Business excellence and innovation experts who are trained to think and solve problems creatively can lead the organization toward more effective and innovative solutions.

Module Description:

This two-day module (in week 2) provides a variety of innovative problem-solving techniques that you can use to eliminate process pain points and fulfill jobs to be done. In addition to generating solutions, you learn how to prioritize and select the best one, and test it before implementing it.

Key Topics:

• How to generate innovative improvement ideas that will result in true breakthrough performance.
• How to encourage innovative thinking using a variety of brainstorming techniques such as SCAMPER, Brainwriting 6-3-5, and Provocation and Movement.
• How to ensure that solutions take advantage of all available resources using Resource Optimization technique.
• How to solve solution contradictions using principles such as Structured Abstraction, Separation Principles and 76 Standard Solutions from TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving).
• How to stratify, prioritize and select the best solution using techniques such as affinity diagrams and Six Thinking Hats.
• How to use statistical tools such to guide you to “best case” settings.
• How to test a solution to ensure it will meet performance goals using techniques such as Function Structure, Piloting and Prototyping.