Tài liệu Chapter 5_Project management process improvement docx

5

Tools to Investigate Improvement

Opportunities

We have discussed the assessment, plotting, and analysis of both PD and PP

maturity level data. We know how to target those knowledge areas that should

be further investigated for improvement opportunities. We have suggested a few

approaches for ranking improvement opportunities. In this chapter we look

under the hood at a knowledge area or individual process within a knowledge

area to analyze the PD or PP performance to define potential areas for improve￾ment initiatives. A number of commonly used quality assessment and problem

solving tools are described.

5.1 Problem Solving for Continuous Improvement

Problem solving is fundamental to any serious investigation of improvement

opportunities. There are several problem-solving models available. The one that

I have used extensively and would like to focus on is a model I first introduced

about 15 years ago [1]. I have used it for a number of years and feel particularly

comfortable applying it to process improvement programs.

5.1.1 Definition

Figure 5.1 is a graphic portrayal of my problem-solving model. It was originally

designed to support different situations that arise in project management and

works equally well in process improvement programs. I have used it with great

success for several years. This problem-solving model consists of the seven steps

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