Book Description
The Memory Jogger II is an easy-to-use pocket guide that describes tools to help you make continuous improvements in an organization. The tools help people at all levels participate in identifying and solving problems; eliminating rework; streamlining processes; improving cross-functional communication; decreasing costs; and measuring results. The guide supports organization-wide consistency and participation in creating organizational breakthroughs and improvements. It measures 3.5" x 5.5".
Customer Reviews:
Vital tool for consulting.......2007-07-04
The day after I bought it my boss asked me to build a priority matrix. I didn't bat an eyelash. I went back to my desk and 15 minutes later I emailed him a priority matrix for our project. He had a meeting in the conference room 15 minutes later with the director and partner. They were so impressed with my work. Thanks Memory Jogger II.
Quick Reference.......2007-05-14
The book provided quick tips for facilitation and team building. I like the format which allows for using the book without ruining the pages.
Memory Jogger II customer review.......2007-03-08
I had to get this for an MBA class I am currently taking. It provides summaries and examples of common business tools in a small package. It's a great reference guide. I didn't do a lot of searching, but for the little searching I did, Amazon had the lowest price.
Tools for excellence.......2006-06-30
This book is set up for anyone to have many tools for them to use at anytime. It has flowcharting, public speaking, many diagrams, and several team based exercises to help become better. In the front of the book it has a tool selector, and it takes some of the guess work out of tool selection.This is just one of many great books this company offers. Our copmany uses several of these in our professional training with our clients. This is a really good book for those looking for continuous improvement. The Memory Jogger Plus is an excellent book also and has many great tools and other goodies.
The guide for all.......2002-09-09
I first used this as a high school student then later at university doing engineering. It's so worn it's due for replacement. Handy size, useful tools, practical. Worth every cent.
Book Description
The world’s largest and most profitable companies – including the likes of GE, Bank of America, Honeywell, DuPont, Samsung, Starwood Hotels, Bechtel, and Motorola – have used Six Sigma to achieve breathtaking improvements in business performance, in everything from products to processes to complex systems and even in work environments. Over the past decade, over $100 billion in bottom-line performance has been achieved through corporate Six Sigma programs. Yet, despite its astounding effectiveness, few outside of the community of Six Sigma practitioners know what Six Sigma is all about.
With this book, Six Sigma is revealed to everyone. You might be in a company that’s already implemented Six Sigma, or your organization may be considering it. You may be a student who wants to learn how it works, or you might be a seasoned business professional who needs to get up to speed. In any case, Six Sigma For Dummies is the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide on the market. This simple, friendly book makes Six Sigma make sense.
With a compelling foreword by Dr. Stephen R. Covey, the internationally recognized leadership authority and bestselling author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8
th Habit, and an afterword by Roxanne O’Brasky, President of the International Society of Six Sigma, Six Sigma For Dummies is the most complete and objective book in the market today.
Unlike most other works that are either graduate-level statistics treatises or thinly-veiled autobiographical success stories, Six Sigma For Dummies teaches the reader all the foundation principles, methods, and tools of this magnificent problem-solving system.
Intended to help readers understand Six Sigma and how they can use it to improve their performance, this no-nonsense guide explains:
- What Six Sigma is all about and how it works
- The benefits of Six Sigma in organizations and businesses
- The powerful “DMAIC” problem-solving roadmap
- Yellow, Green and Black -- how the Six Sigma "belt" system works
- How to select and utilize the right tools and technologies
- Speaking the language of Six Sigma
- Knowing the roles and responsibilities
- Mastering the statistics skills and analytical methods
Six Sigma For Dummies will become everyone’s No. 1 resource for discovering and mastering the world’s most famous and powerful improvement tool. Stephen Covey is spot-on when he says, “Six Sigma For Dummies is a book to be read by everyone”.
Download Description
The world's largest and most profitable companies; including the likes of GE, Bank of America, Honeywell, DuPont, Samsung, Starwood Hotels, Bechtel, and Motorola have used Six Sigma to achieve breathtaking improvements in business performance, in everything from products to processes to complex systems and even in work environments. Over the past decade, over $100 billion in bottom-line performance has been achieved through corporate Six Sigma programs. Yet, despite its astounding effectiveness, few outside of the community of Six Sigma practitioners know what Six Sigma is all about. With this book, Six Sigma is revealed to everyone. You might be in a company that's already implemented Six Sigma, or your organization may be considering it. You may be a student who wants to learn how it works, or you might be a seasoned business professional who needs to get up to speed. In any case, Six Sigma For Dummies is the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide on the market. This simple, friendly book makes Six Sigma make sense.
Customer Reviews:
Even if you are not Dummy in 6 Sigma read this book.......2007-07-09
Very often we even don't notice how many Sigma and Statistic terms are in our everyday language, especially when we completed several Sigma projects for laste several years. Have you ever experienced that your team members ('greenies' especially) or senior managers, to whom you present your results, can hardly understand what you are speaking about? In case yes, this book is the key. Read it and make things simple for the end-user of the project. Read it and train your team. Read it and refresh your experience.
Six Sigma for Dummies.......2007-06-27
I think it is a great book. The subject is very complicated, but the writer tries to break it down into little pieces.
Good Perspective Broadener, Light on details.......2007-06-27
I purchased this book to get my toes wet after hearing about six sigma design for a long time. It's typical of the 4Dum stuff in format, self deprecating humor, and all that. I liked their intros to 'T' and 'F' statistics, and basic design of experiments, which I'd never had formal training in. After reading it, I had some idea of what they were good for and why you'd want to know that stuff. I was disappointed, if not surprised, that these sections had little depth past giving you a taste. Hey, it's a 4D book that you paid a little over 10 bucks for. What did you expect?
There are some issues with typos and formatting, especially in that some formulas are clearly missing, mis-formatted, or wrong (square root signs crossing over comma separators and such.
That said, I spent a few hours reading the book and felt like I knew a lot more about 6-sigma terms and ideas, enough to start looking for deeper books on the subject. For what it is, I thought it was good quick bang for the buck in learning about the area.
A very enlightening book........2007-02-16
Six Sigma is a very complicated process. This book is written in simple language, thus helping the reader understand it and enjoy it.
Good primer..........2007-01-24
This book is good for people asking "what is this six sigma thingy and could it be useful for work?" Gives the basics without going into any detail about how to implement for a given business. A decent read to start with in the Six Sigma world, however further book reading and real training would be required to get a grasp of Six Sigma overall.
Product Description
Apollo Root Cause Analysis is about effective problem solving. It is truly a new way of thinking that will ensure effective solutions to almost any kind of problem. Discover new communications tools that are revolutionizing the way people all around the world think, communicate, and make decisions together. This is a life-changing book that will enable people and organizations to effectively communicate and solve problems without the usual conflicts. This is a unique event-based problem solving method utilized by many Fortune 500 companies, NASA, and the FAA. There is no other problem solving process like this. In this book readers will learn more about the cause and effect principle than has ever been documented before. They will also learn why 70% to 80% of the general population are ineffective problem solvers and why conventional problem solving methods don't work. The number one skill every employer wants in an employee is good problem solving skills, yet problem solving is not taught in school. Apollo Root Cause Analysis and its supporting software, RealityChartingTM makes everyone a skilled problem solver.
Customer Reviews:
Good Presentation of Yet Another RCA Method.......2006-01-07
This was a good-great book for the Apollo method but as one who has read a lot of these types of books, e.g., TQM, I found the sales pitch a little strong. The explanations were excellent with a step-by-step development, but I see nothing special here. Almost any RCA book will provide similar material. An alternative to this book could be: "Root Cause Analysis A tool for total quality management," or "Quality Improvement Toos & Techniques." The later is an excellent overview of the methods available for investigating problems --- and it is fairly inexpensive. I recommend Dean Gano's book if the Apollo RCA is your flavor.
A unique approach.......2004-01-22
Apollo is the name given by the author to his unique approach to root cause analysis. I'm assuming this (Apollo) explains why there is a naked man on the cover, either that or this is the most unique author photo I have ever seen. The book focuses on causal relationships, emphasizing that there are often many causes (factors) contributing to an undesirable outcome. The author's insights on casual relationships and human behavior are extraordinary, it is obvious he is passionate about this topic and has had extensive experience with it. In addition to explaining " A new way of thinking", the author details specific tools (his own version of a cause-and-effect chart) that are the core of the Apollo method. And just when I started thinking that it would be great if there was software available to do this, he mentions that he has such a product available.
There were a few things I didn't like about the book. In fact, after receiving the book, the combination of the naked dude on the cover (which still creeps me out) and the opening paragraph in the "How to read this book" section which you just have to say "Duh!" to, almost convinced me to not read the book at all. In addition, the branding of "Apollo" throughout the book ( frequent references to "the Apollo method", "the Apollo process", "Apollo tools") made some sections read like scripts from an infomercial. These are minor gripes though, and I'm glad I got by them and took the time to read this excellent book
Great introductory work.......2002-05-02
I teach root cause analysis and have been a practicing failure analyst for nearly 15 years. I've had the priviledge of working with some very expert people in this field. Dean Gano does a great job taking what can be a very confusing and intimidating task and making it clear and understandable.
Dean Gano has been honing his craft for many years and is well respected in the failure analysis community. The only criticism I have is that the process is more geared to providing supporting evidence for possible causes of events. There needs to be more discussion of the need for refuting evidence.
Cause analysis at its best is a structured application of scientific principles (referred to as the scientific method). What the scientific method requires is that you pose a hypothesis (a possible explanation for what has happened) and then gather evidence to support or refute the hypothesis.
I recommend that anyone interested in a better understanding of how refuting evidence is used read "The Rational Manager" by Chuck Kepner and Ben Tregoe. It's the foundational work that provides a complete solution for resolving concerns (problems, decisions, etc). The "Rational Manager" has you break things down and deal with them separately. Dean Gano's book helps you see the larger picture. The other book I use as required reading for our root cause analysts is "Managing the Risks of Organizational Accidents" by James Reason. Together, these three references will help you to significantly improve your ability to resolve problems and will be the three books you will refer to over and over again.
A "Must Read" for anyone investigating failure incidents.......2002-02-02
After several years of pumping equipment failure analysis engineering, this is by far the best book I've read about the failure analysis and problem solving process. Dean Gano's approach covers the full spectrum of associated issues in a very efficient and flexible manner. He challenges a lot of failure analysis "conventional wisdom" in a very convincing manner, truly creating "a new way of thinking" that should greatly improve failure solutions.
Excellent for doing Med Error Root Cause Analysis..........2001-06-28
Read several books and this seems to get to the heart of the matter in the least amount of time. Book is well written, to the point and will get you going within 24 hours.
Amazon.com
The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player is another in a long line of titles by John Maxwell aimed at helping people attain their personal and leadership potential in the workplace. The book is organized into short chapters, each devoted to one of the 17 qualities that Maxwell deems essential to a successful and harmonious workplace, qualities such as competence, discipline, adaptability, commitment, selflessness, and preparedness. Maxwell's prose reads like a series of sermons, peppered with inspirational stories and quotes from personalities as diverse as Vince Lombardi ("The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender") and Henry Ford ("Before everything else, getting ready is the secret of success"). The book is for Maxwell fans and anyone looking for a sensible and formulaic approach to improving their lot, both at work and in life. --Harry C. Edwards
Book Description
Where can a person go to learn how to become a better team player? Your choices are definitely limited. John C. Maxwell takes the pain out of knowing what makes a team tick. If you want to have a better team, you have to develop better players. Great team players, like great teams, are formed from the inside out.
The qualities Maxwell teaches quickly take you to the heart of teamwork. Anybody can understand them and apply them -- whether at home, on the job, at church, or on the ball field. If you learn the 17 essential qualities of a team player, you can become the kind of person every team wants. If everyone on your team does it, there will be no holding you back.
Customer Reviews:
An inspirational manual on becoming a valuable team member........2007-10-12
This brief, inspirational book uses a now-classic formula for texts on selling and leadership, although its focus on cooperation and following the leader is unusual. Each chapter starts with a short anecdote about a historic figure's accomplishments, and his or her triumph over adversity. The vignettes demonstrate the lessons that author John C. Maxwell then briefly discusses in the rest of the chapter. The "laws" the author promulgates benefit from the stories' afterglow and are less important than the stories themselves. Memorable quotations and sidebars that support the author's main points round off each lesson. Maxwell is an expert at wielding this formula, perhaps because he helped make it a classic, and a star in the inspirational self-help genre. We recommend his book as a pick-me-up for team members and aspiring leaders.
Great book to use to facilitate team discussion.......2007-02-19
I used the 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player as a book to use for team discussions affirming or confirming how the team would operate. The chapters are a quick read and the qualities described supporting a successful and harmonious workplace cover most required behaviors of a good team member.
While John Maxwell's material is mostly from non-profit experiences, the stories and quotes are relevant and applicable to corporate America just as much as in the non-profit settings. In some cases my team offered criticisms of the examples, but even in those cases the opportunity to have the team discuss and agree on the essential attributes of teamwork was a success I would not have achieved without the support of the book. I have not used the websites referred to in the book.
How Effective of a team player are you?.......2007-02-02
Oh this is a wonderful study. We are going through leadership training in our church and our homework lol is to read this book. It is very good material. My husband and I enjoy it so much we go back and reread the chapter we've done read.
The 17 Essential Qualities Of A Team Player .......2006-11-06
This book is very well written. It should be required reading in Organizational Behavior and other Management courses.
Misleading?.......2005-11-04
Many books and subjects taught should have a disclaimer stating that the information you are absorbing may not apply to the real world.
The only way I see the information in this book working is in a small company on its' way up. Im not saying that the information within is alltogether baseless, however, there are more than a few times while reading where I wondered what would be my fate if I had someone with a secretive agenda within my group of subordinates and I began to let down my guard just enough for them to knife me in the back? This book never suggests looking out for oneself. Dont get me wrong, trust is good, but you cannot allowed yourself to be disarmed by it.
Is the book worthy? ABSOLUTELY. All I am saying is that it should be taken with a grain of salt and not blindly adhered to.
Product Description
This updated and expanded edition discusses many different tools for root cause analysis and presents them in an easy-to-follow structure: a general description of the tool, its purpose and typical applications, the procedure when using it, an example of its use, a checklist to help you make sure if is applied properly, and different forms and templates (that can also be found on an accompanying CD-ROM). The examples used are general enough to apply to any industry or market. The layout of the book has been designed to help speed your learning. Throughout, the authors have split the pages into two halves: the top half presents key concepts using brief languagealmost keywordsand the bottom half uses examples to help explain those concepts. A roadmap in the margin of every page simplifies navigating the book and searching for specific topics. The book is suited for employees and managers at any organizational level in any type of industry, including service, manufacturing, and the public sector. Contents: Chapter 1 Practical Problem Solving Chapter 2 Root Cause Analysis Chapter 3 Tools for Problem Understanding Chapter 4 Tools for Problem Cause Brainstorming Chapter 5 Tools for Problem Cause Data Collection Chapter 6 Tools for Problem Cause Data Analysis Chapter 7 Tools for Root Cause Identification Chapter 8 Tools for Root Cause Elimination Chapter 9 Tools for Solution Implementation Chapter 10 How to Select the Right Tool Chapter 11 Example Cases Further Reading and Additional Resources Index
Customer Reviews:
Definitely Not an Academic Book.......2007-10-17
I was asked to choose a book from a list of books on problem formulation to report on for one of my classes in my MBA program. I ended up choosing this book. I was at first excited to see a different point of view on problem solving than the one we were discussing in class. However, I was very disappointed with this book.
The book comes out right up front and states that this is not meant to be an academic book, but a tool that can be used in helping define the root cause of problems. This book although great for the amount of tools to aid in finding root causes, seems to lack content in total problem formulation. The layout of the book flows nicely so that if you had a particular problem that you were working on you could easily go through step by step to work on finding the root cause. However, it doesn't focus enough on critical steps in problem formulation, such as the beginning steps, determining if there is actually a problem, and properly framing the problem (scope and domain). It also doesn't focus enough on the final steps to solve the problem such as generating a hypothesis and solution, and controlling the results so to make sure the problem does not re-occur.
In my opinion there are much better books out there to discuss problem solving.
Root Cause Analysis.......2006-08-09
I found this book most helpful in trying to learn quickly the techniques of solving cause and effect problems; to which I had no previous study or training other than common sense.
It gave me specfic ways of gathering information and using it as a basis of making decisions that effect our daily operation and to be able to find ways of improving the quality of what we do.
Great hands-on root cause analysis tools.......2000-09-27
After looking through many books on root cause analysis, I came across this books published by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). While most books on root cause analysis go deeply into the theory and the concepts of the topic, this book presents, as the subtitle states, simplified tools and techniques that can be easily applied to any organization. At my employer -- a medical device company --, we have trained over 100 employees using the Andersen/Fagerhaug book to solve technical as well as staffing issues. I highly recommend the book for use at all levels of an organization.
Customer Reviews:
need to have.......2006-12-27
Absolute great book!
The size allows it to carry around, and the tools and techniques described can be applied on the workfloor.
A great asset and should be on any project teamleader desk!
Customer Reviews:
Best Quality tools book for recommended readings in training.......2006-10-29
This is one of the best books I have ever reviewed. It is so easy to know the quality tools but understanding the tools is the key to effective implementation. The book provides a comprehensive review of all the tools in the quality profession with indexed case studies and applications. I use the quality tools while training Meirc participants on Total quality, six sigma, simplification of work processes and procedures in Dubai seminars and it is certainly has gained our participants lots of benefits on applying these tools. I would highly recommend this book for all quality professionals in the quality management and training.
As useful as it gets.......2006-05-28
This is just about the most relevant and useful quality book I have come across. It provides a comprehensive library of tools to use to solve different kinds of problems. Many of the tools covered in this book are covered elsewhere, but in this case the author has a knack for guiding the reader through a set-by-step process in a way that it was very easy for me to instantly apply the tools to my job.
I also welcomed the fact that the book covers the overall history of the different quality methodologies. This is important because there are many choices to be made when it comes to choosing a quality methodology, so knowing where a tool came from helps you determine whether it applies to your particular problem.
If your job relates to quality, this is money well spent.
A choice of a variety tools for quality.......2005-07-26
In updating this book, Tague has added more than 30 tools and several variations. This book gives easy to follow step by step instructions for the tools to be used. Second edition uses icons with each tool description which makes easy to identify the tool and the applications for the reader.
A book for the real world of problem solving !.......1999-05-06
This book is for the people that want to solve quality problems. For those of you that want to know the theory and never do anything with it but teach, would not want to read this book (no big words or long formulas). For the rest of us that are in the real world and need some structure to resolve quality problems (in the real world) GET THIS BOOK! It is a cookbook of how to USE these tools and when to use them. Best front line quality tool source I have ever seen (and I have 4 book shelves full of them).
Average customer rating:
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Strategic Quality Management: A Strategic Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement
Mildred Golden Pryor ,
J. Christopher White , and
Leslie A. Toombs
Manufacturer: Dame Publishing
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Management: A Skills Approach (2nd Edition)
ASIN: 0873934164 |
Book Description
Strategic Quality Management is written for people who choose to be strategists-people who choose to ensure the success of their improvement efforts by integrating them into the strategic man-age-ment of their organizations. This book comprehensively addresses the elements required to ensure long-term momentum for improvement. In addition, it discusses continuous improvement from several per-spectives (Historical, Strategic, Behavioral, Process and Results, and Futuristic) and describes why those perspectives are all essential for an improvement initiative to be successful. Also included are specific improvement models, flowcharts, and checklists which are useful in the application of the im-prove-ment philosophies and tools described in the text. The foundation for Strategic Quality Man-age-ment (SQM) is the Five P's Model which emphasizes the need for alignment of organizational Pur-pose, Principles, Processes, and people in order to achieve Performance excellence. Each of the Five P's is discussed separately as an essential element of SQM, then in terms of its impact on the other four P's.
Average customer rating:
- high thickness to content ratio
- This really _IS_ Brain Surgery!!!
- A sound theory and practical methods
- Root-Cause Analysis and Reality Trees
- Tools for reaching The Goal!
|
Goldratt's Theory of Constraints: A Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement
H. William Dettmer
Manufacturer: ASQ Quality Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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Breaking the Constraints to World-Class Performance
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Theory of Constraints
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Critical Chain : A Business Novel
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It's Not Luck
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The Goal
ASIN: 0873893700 |
Book Description
Organizations live or die as systems not processes. Their success or failure is a function of how well the different component processes interact with one another. Real quality improvement isn't possible without the knowledge that comes from an understanding of the theory of knowledge, knowledge of variation, an understanding of psychology, and appreciation for systems. Goldratt's Theory of Constraints addresses best-selling author Eli Goldratt's unique approach to dramatically improving corporate performance, found throughout his books, The Goal (North River, 1992) and It's Not Luck (North River, 1994). This book thoroughly explains the theory of constraints, as well as detailing for the reader exactly how to problem solve using TOC.
Customer Reviews:
high thickness to content ratio.......2007-09-13
This book is padded to 378 pages. It is repetitive with long summaries and example at the end of each chapter. A table of contents at the begining of each chapter. Rhetoric questions in the text. Diagrams for simple ideas that don't need them.
I was looking for a book to explain the basics of TOC and to this end the book was helpful - it just could have been half the size.
This really _IS_ Brain Surgery!!!.......2006-12-20
Some folks who just now may be getting to know the Theory of Constraints (TOC) might be surprised at what they find in this book. Open it at random to any page, and you are looking at a diagram of some sort! This text is not about bottle necks and constraints; it is not about Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). Rather, it is about the "Thinking Tools" of TOC.
So many great philosophies and theories of management become fashionable -- only then to suffer the indignity of superficial implementations at the hands of hasty zealots. TQM and Lean are two examples of important movements which were the basis of many failed projects in industry. In the final analysis, "Knowing what you are talking about" is often the missing ingredient. Moreover, when you are struggling to get "out of the box," how can you be sure you don't fall victim to the same assumptions (to your own self-deceptions) that put you there in the first place?
Dettmer's cornerstone text "Goldratt's Theory of Constraints: A Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement" takes you in [baby] steps through the entire TOC Thinking Process. Many will find this process excruciating perhaps, but this is what it takes. There are five graphical tools, five different [network] trees, one uses to analyze problems and solutions, and the especially important path between these two "realities." Dettmer takes great care to show you how to be sure of every single piece of your puzzle as you seek honestly to characterize your Current Reality, the Future Reality, the Prerequisites, and the Transition (the step-by-step plan). These represent four of the "Trees" (CRT, FRT, PRT, TT), and the Conflict Resolution Diagram (CRD) is the fifth. In addition to these, Dettmer explains the "Categories of Legitimate Reservation," which are the logic rules one uses to guide the TOC Thinking Process.
On page 22 Dettmer says, "These trees, the Categories of Legitimate Reservation, and how to use them is the subject of this book." Indeed, it really is. Nearly 400 pages of precision, it's no barrel of laughs; I can tell you that! But after scanning a dozen other books for exactly how to do this, I was happy to find someone who finally was willing to bite the bullet and get it done.
Plus, he knows what he is talking about.
Once you have the Transition Tree, you'll possibly want to formulate and track your implementation project using the Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) methods of TOC (as opposed to the failure prone Critical Path Method). There are many books on that subject. And there are now CCPM Add-Ins for Microsoft Project from several companies. But it would be easy to question your plan if it were not subjected to the same degree of rigorous analysis described by Dettmer's book. In the final analysis, "Knowing what you are talking about" is all too often the missing ingredient.
A sound theory and practical methods.......2006-01-20
This is a very readable book for which we intend to build courseware around. The book is laid out in a logical and progressive order. Each chapter table of contents can be used as headers for class notes. At the end of each chapter, there's an excellent summary and graphic diagrams or tables that can be used as jobaids. If you read, understand, and apply the information in this book it will definetely enable you to make more accurate assessements of "undesirable effects" and propose sensible solutions.
Root-Cause Analysis and Reality Trees.......2005-09-10
Dettmer's discussion on finding root causes of undesirable conditions or effects is the best I've seen. It's easy to go down a rathole when trying to drill into a set of what appears to be causes of the undisirable conditions. He also shows strong value of using reality trees to define what is and how we might be able to get to what ought to be.
Tucson, Arizona
Tools for reaching The Goal!.......2004-04-23
Many readers are familiar with Eliyahu Goldratt's hugely successful business novels The Goal and Its Not Luck. In these two books and his non-fiction work, Goldratt presents his "Theory of Constraints" and examples of how to apply it in practice.
Until now, Goldratt fans have had limited options for putting the Theory of Constraints into practice. Developing the methodology from the limited treatments in the novels may work in simple situations, but is unlikely to achieve its full potential in all but the most straightforward applications. True believers can take several days of formal training at the Goldratt Institute and earn the "Jonah" credential, but this approach is beyond the budgets and zeal of many.
Between these extremes, the American Society for Quality has published two very useful books by H. William Dettmer: Goldratt's Theory of Constraints - A Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement and Breaking the Constraints to World-Class Performance. Each is a superb tool, but they are appropriate for different audiences.
The first book, Goldratt's Theory of Constraints, is a thorough, textbook style treatment of how to develop the logic trees that underlie all Theory of Constraints analyses. It is most useful to people who will apply the Theory of Constraints in their organizations and want "how-to" training. It is also appropriate for a graduate level course in the methodology. The diagrams and graphics in the book are excellent and are critical to its usefulness.
The second book, Breaking the Constraints..., is aimed at general business readers and senior managers who want to understand the Theory of Constraints and its potential for improving an organization, but do not need the full complement of tools to become a full-fledged "Jonah". The book makes excellent use of case studies and examples. It, too, boasts diagrams and graphics that are essential to its value.
Breaking the Constraints..., will appeal to the wider audience. It is appropriate for readers who are interested in the Theory of Constraints, but want to have a deeper understanding of it before deciding to make it a core element of their approach to quality. It is also a tool to help champions of the Theory of Constraints educate both team members and bosses.
Both books will appeal to Theory of Constraints practitioners, while Breaking the Constraints... is more appropriate for the reader with an interest in the topic, but who will not be leading the team applying it.
(Robert Bradford is CEO of the Center for Simplified Strategic Planning and co-author of Simplified Strategic Planning)
Book Description
Improve your efficiency -- and bring in big profits!
Need help implementing or understanding Six Sigma? Want to take this powerful problem-solving methodology and apply it to your business? Six Sigma isn't just for Fortune 500 companies anymore; it's for every business, even yours, no matter how big or small. This hands-on workbook provides the knowledge, insight, and practical exercises you need to master Six Sigma and put it to work in your business. Perfect as a companion workbook for Six Sigma For Dummies -- or any other Six Sigma book -- Six Sigma Workbook For Dummies gives you a wealth of examples, problems, and other tools you need to turn Six Sigma theory into practice -- today!
Discover
* How to form and lead a Six Sigma initiative
* Project alignment with business objectives and strategy
* How to create process flow maps and models
* Chart and graph plotting for analysis and interpretation
* Methods for calculating Sigma scores
* How to quantify variable relationships
Customer Reviews:
6sigma Theory to Practice made easy.......2007-01-09
Being an Academic and a Black Belt myself as well as a practicing manager for 15 years at Fortune 100/500 companies, I found this book an excellent practical guide to introduce people in the SixSigma concept.
Statistical concepts that usually trouble people are presented in an easy to read format with examples that link 6sigma theory to 6sigma practice thus preparing the reader to take rational-scientific and fact-oriented action in the business world.
Though I bought this book out of curiosity, I found it very enjoyable indeed! In my opinion this book can be used not only by starters in the 6sigma methodology but it can also be used for 6sigma training purposes as well as for review and reference purposes by the practioners.
Books:
- The PDMA Handbook of New Product Development, Second Edition
- The Restaurant Managers Handbook: How to Set Up, Operate, and Manage a Financially Successful Food Service Operation
- The Restaurant Managers Handbook: How to Set Up, Operate, and Manage a Financially Successful Food Service Operation
- The Six Sigma Handbook: The Complete Guide for Greenbelts, Blackbelts, and Managers at All Levels, Revised and Expanded Edition
- The Six Sigma Handbook: The Complete Guide for Greenbelts, Blackbelts, and Managers at All Levels, Revised and Expanded Edition
- The Six Sigma Handbook: The Complete Guide for Greenbelts, Blackbelts, and Managers at All Levels, Revised and Expanded Edition
- The Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook: An Implementation Guide for Process Improvement Teams
- The Six Sigma Way Team Fieldbook: An Implementation Guide for Process Improvement Teams
- The Strategic Project Office: A Guide to Improving Organizational Performance (CENTER FOR BUSINESS PRACTICES)
- The Toyota Way
Books Index
Books Home
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The Problem Solving Memory Jogger: Seven Steps to Improved Processes (Memory Jogger)
Project Management Memory Jogger: A Pocket Guide for Project Teams (Growth Opportunity Alliance of Lawrence)
The Team Memory Jogger
The Team Handbook Third Edition
Six Sigma Memory Jogger II: A Pocket Guide
