INDM 5222 Principles And Practices Of Lean Systems Midterm ✓ Solved

Indm 5222 Principles And Practices Of Lean Systems Midterm Exa

The exam consists of a series of questions in which factual knowledge analytical and creative skills are explored in any area relevant to Lean Six Sigma Systems. Use systems and principles discussed in class, the textbook, along with more research and your own practical idea to complete this exam. You are to write on three essay questions (25 points each, a total of 75 points). You will select from the provided questions. Organize your thoughts and plan the answer to the questions, using templates from ASQ or SmartArt from Word Document to create diagrams. Word your answers carefully and completely, supporting each answer with facts and reasoning. Cite references when appropriate. Answers for each question should be at least 150 words, use Microsoft Word, Times New Roman, 12 font, double space. The exam must be submitted in the Assignment area, name the file: your last name_exam, under folder “Midterm Exam.”

Select 3 out of 5 questions:

• 1. Explain the elements and concepts of Kaizen, Kanban and JIT (Just-in-Time). How do they relate to Lean production? Also, explain and give an example of Lean systems that can be applied to your daily life.
• 2. Develop a flowchart and cause-and-effect diagrams for the following:
• a. A flowchart of the process you use to study for an exam. How might you improve this process?
• b. A cause-and-effect diagram of ‘late for work or school’. Explain involved steps and/or related factors in detail.
• 3. A large hospital identified the following strategic priorities: Patient safety, Few hassles for patients and families, Workforce well-being, Operational efficiency. Suggest some measures that link to these strategic priorities. You might wish to do some research on how hospitals measure patient safety and clinical excellence.
• 4. Observe a business you are familiar with, such as a restaurant, laundry service, bank, or college bookstore.
• a. Develop a Pareto chart that encompasses the major service defects of the business, identify the most significant service problems and suggest how quality could be improved.
• b. To prevent some incorrect actions and/or defects of your selected business, develop at least 2 mistake-proofing (Poka Yoke) items from your observation.
• 5. With the football season, the program wants to develop its budget for the coming year using a forecast for football attendance and promotions. The business manager has accumulated a total of annual attendance figures and promotions for the past eight years. Develop the equation to forecast attendance for winning 7 games next year. Explain the equation, correlation, and coefficient of determination.

Note: From your course textbook, Regression analysis is in Chapter VII Analysis Techniques.

Paper For Above Instructions

Lean principles are cornerstone methodologies in the realm of operational excellence, emphasizing efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement. In this examination, I will elaborate on the main components of Kaizen, Kanban, and Just-in-Time (JIT), as well as how these concepts relate to Lean production. Additionally, I will provide real-world examples of these Lean systems while also developing a flowchart, cause-and-effect diagrams for studying, and offering insights into improving processes in various sectors, particularly in healthcare.

Kaizen, Kanban, and JIT in Lean Production

Kaizen, translated as “continuous improvement,” focuses on small, incremental changes to enhance productivity, quality, and efficiency in a workplace. Originating from Japan, through its emphasis on employee involvement and suggestion systems, Kaizen fosters a culture where all employees are encouraged to contribute to process improvements (Imai, 1986). Kanban, on the other hand, is a scheduling system that manages workflow and inventory, allowing just-in-time delivery of materials. It utilizes visual signals to trigger production and movement of items, significantly reducing waiting times and excess inventory (Rother & Shook, 2003). Finally, JIT aims to minimize inventory and streamline production by receiving goods only as they are needed in the manufacturing process, thus reducing waste and carrying costs (Ohno, 1988). Together, these methodologies construct a framework that effectively embodies Lean production by facilitating responsiveness, reducing lead times, and enhancing quality through constant feedback loops.

Application of Lean Systems in Daily Life

An example of applying Lean systems in daily life can be observed in personal time management. Utilizing a Kanban board for task management allows for visual representation and prioritization of daily activities, streamlining efforts toward achieving both short-term and long-term goals. Implementing Kaizen through the establishment of daily habits that encourage improvement of time utilization—such as allocating specific time slots for emails, meetings, and focused work—can lead to significant efficiency gains over time. Additionally, leveraging JIT principles, one might adopt a "one in, one out" philosophy for maintaining clutter-free living spaces, where one must remove an item from the house each time a new one is acquired (Liker, 2004). This holistic application of Lean thinking can drastically improve daily productivity and overall satisfaction.

Flowchart for Exam Preparation

When preparing for an exam, I employ a systematic study process that can be visually represented in a flowchart. The steps include identifying the exam date, gathering study materials, establishing a study schedule, reviewing notes and resources, practicing with past exams, and finally, taking the exam. To enhance this process, I could incorporate time-blocking strategies to allocate specific times for each task, ensuring that I stay focused and organized. Additionally, introducing breaks and reflecting on what I learned can bolster retention and understanding.

Cause-and-Effect Diagram for Being Late

A cause-and-effect diagram illustrating factors leading to being late for work or school includes categories like “Environmental Factors,” which encompasses traffic patterns and weather conditions; “Personal Factors,” such as oversleeping or forgetting essentials; and “Organizational Factors,” which includes lack of clear instructions regarding meeting times. Addressing these factors can help mitigate the risks of tardiness, particularly by planning more time for travel and preparing the night before to eliminate morning chaos (Ishikawa, 1986).

Strategic Measures in Healthcare

For the hospital's strategic priorities, several measures can be proposed to enhance patient safety and streamline operations. Implementing evidence-based clinical protocols for patient interventions reduces variability in treatment and improves safety outcomes. Additionally, employing patient experience surveys can identify hassles faced by patients and enable the hospital to address them directly, enhancing overall satisfaction (Singer et al., 2016). Workforce well-being can be supported through regular training sessions focusing on psychological safety and engagement, ultimately improving operational efficiency through a happier and more productive staff (West et al., 2014).

Service Quality and Improvement in Observed Businesses

For a business such as a local restaurant, creating a Pareto chart to identify the most frequent service defects—like long wait times and incorrect orders—can help prioritize which areas to improve first. By implementing quality assurance checks and staff training based on this analysis, the restaurant can minimize defects and improve service quality. Furthermore, adopting Poka Yoke mechanisms such as order confirmation displays on kitchen screens can prevent misunderstandings and errors during service (Shingo, 1986).

Forecasting Attendance Using Regression Analysis

Regarding the football program’s budget, using linear regression analysis can provide a model for predicting attendance based on the number of games won and marketing promotions. By collecting data on attendance figures and promotional activities over the past years, equations can be derived to encapsulate these relationships, thus guiding budget allocation efficiently. Understanding correlations and the coefficient of determination will further inform decision-making processes and strategic planning for the upcoming seasons.

Conclusion

The Lean principles discussed—Kaizen, Kanban, and JIT—serve as fundamental tools for enhancing efficiency and reducing waste across various sectors, including healthcare and personal management. By actively incorporating these practices into both professional settings and daily routines, significant improvements can be achieved. Analyzing processes through flowcharts and cause-and-effect diagrams also aids in identifying areas for further refinement that lead to substantial operational gains.

References

• Imai, M. (1986). Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success. Random House.
• Rother, M., & Shook, J. (2003). Learning to See: Value Stream Mapping to Add Value and Eliminate MUDA. Lean Enterprise Institute.
• Ohno, T. (1988). Toyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production. Productivity Press.
• Liker, J. K. (2004). The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World’s Greatest Manufacturer. McGraw-Hill.
• Ishikawa, K. (1986). Guide to Quality Control. Asian Productivity Organization.
• Singer, S. J., et al. (2016). Hospital organizational characteristics and patient safety climate: a national survey. Health Services Research, 51(2), 502-520.
• West, M. A, & Caress, A.-L. (2014). Improving teamwork in organizations: Applications of social psychology and discussion. In M. A. West & J. L. Farr (Eds.), Innovation and creativity at work: Psychological and organizational strategies. Wiley.
• Shingo, S. (1986). Zero Quality Control: Source Inspection and the Poka-Yoke System. Productivity Press.
• Graban, M. (2016). Lean Hospitals: Improving Quality, Patient Safety, and Employee Engagement. CRC Press.
• Womack, J. P., & Jones, D. T. (1996). Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation. Simon & Schuster.