Operational Excellence: Journey to Creating Sustainable Value

CHAPTER 16IMPLEMENT—IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLANS

Once a comprehensive improvement action plan with clear objectives has been formulated and approved, the implementation process is “simply” executing the plan.

For maximum ownership and commitment, improvement action plans are implemented, managed, monitored, and adjusted by the Improvement Action Team, hereafter Action Team, which developed the plan augmented as necessary with specialized knowledge and skills. The team is responsible and accountable for results. Action teams begin with meetings at least weekly, or even at closer intervals where necessary, to assign specific responsibilities, assess progress, and identify any adjustments that might be required and/or unexpected barriers. Compliance to plan timelines and communications is exceptionally important to assure a fast start, increasing momentum, enthusiasm, and ownership. The team leader must push early and hard for results. Compliance with improvement milestones and results metrics must be top priority of all participants. As initiatives mature, action progresses, and problems are solved; meetings can be reduced to bi-weekly or even monthly. All involved must be alert for any slackening of effort or results. Early recognition and immediate correction are essential.

Assembling a program is the easy part—getting it done is difficult! Excellence is not easy—if it was, it would be more crowded at the top!

Successful implementation depends on three additional factors: demonstrating ...