Assignment 5: Process Analysis (10%)

Purpose

Process analysis is an important step in understanding how value is delivered to the customer, the role the solution plays in delivering value, and how different groups in the enterprise interact with each other and with the solution. As a business analysis technique, it can be used to identify opportunities for improvement to the way that these interactions occur by finding efficiencies, eliminating redundancies, and addressing limitations of the enterprise.

This assignment will provide you with hands on experience, analyzing the characteristics of a process and the interactions and activities that occur within it, in order to improve the overall value of a solution. You will take a deeper dive into assessing enterprise limitations through an analysis of the processes related to the solution.

How to Proceed

This assignment will be based on the case study provided. This case study includes a description of some of the solution and enterprise limitations that are preventing the solution from achieving its potential value.

1. Begin by reviewing the following resources:
   1. Unit 1 notes; and
   2. Section 10.35 - Process Modelling in the BABOK.
2. Read the case study.
3. Given a process model (with actors, steps, time to execute, etc.) relevant to the scope of the solution being evaluated, complete the exercise below:
   1. Complete a SIPOC model by identifying the various components of the process (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers);
   2. Perform the initial steps of a value stream mapping of the process, by categorizing each step as value-add or non-value-add; and
   3. Analyze the enterprise limitations.

Case Study

Another phase of the project at Manitoba Mutual Insurance Co. (MMIC) involves updating the document production and distribution solution and processes. Some of the business objectives for this phase of the project are listed in Table 1.

Table 1: Business Objectives

ID

Business Objective

BO8Reduce the cost of printing and distributing documents.BO9Provide an alternate (non-paper) delivery mechanism for documents (email, or via the self-serve portal).BO10Improve the efficiency of the document production and distribution processes to reduce operational costs.BO11Improve the presentation (formatting and content) of all insurance documents to improve customer perception of our business.BO12Eliminate redundant document types to improve efficiency and reduce customer confusion.

Regarding BO4 and BO5: These objectives are felt to contribute to the value desired by customers because having clear policy documentation contributes to peace of mind (one of the key values identified in Assignment 2).

Consider what other objectives contribute directly to value for the customer, versus internal value and cost reduction.

The project team has begun work on evaluating the current document production and distribution solution, and they are currently assessing the enterprise limitations. They have begun documenting the process of printing and distributing insurance policy documents. Figure 1 shows a model of the current process.

It is noteworthy that this process has not changed much in the 20 years that the company has been in business. The printing technology has changed, but for better or worse, the process has remained more or less the same.

Figure 1: Process Model for Print and Distribute Insurance Policy Documents

Exercise

Exercise 1: SIPOC

Using the process model in Figure 1, fill out this SIPOC diagram for the "print and distribute insurance policy documents" process.

Suppliers

Inputs

Process

Outputs

Consumers

Exercise 2: Value Stream Considerations

Perform the initial steps of a value stream mapping of the process by categorizing each step as value-add or non-value-add. For value-adding steps, recall that they should be steps that a customer would be willing to pay for and that are required to produce the value for the customer. For non-value-added steps, recall the seven wastes discussed in the Unit 5 notes. Find and identify which non-value-add steps are also wasteful and identify to which of these "wastes" your non-value-add step relates.

Value Adding Process Steps

Non-value Adding Process Steps (with "waste" type where applicable)

Exercise 3: Analyze Enterprise Limitations

In the table provided, provide descriptions of the enterprise limitations you have observed, based on this case study. If you put yourself in charge of this process, what concerns would you have? Speak freely and be critical.

Enterprise Limitation Types

Limitation Description

Cultural Limitations Stakeholder Impacts Organizational Structure Operational Capabilities

Grading

You will be assessed in accordance with the following rubric.

6

4

2

0

Content

Assignment shows an excellent grasp of the major issues and conflicts involved in the case. There is thorough analysis of the situation, with outstanding recommendations.Assignment shows a good understanding of the major issues involved in the case. Most key issues are discussed, and analysis covers most of the key points, with some good recommendations to management.Assignment shows marginal analysis and understanding of the key issues and minimal recommendations.Assignment shows no analysis and poor understanding of the issues involved in the case. Explanations are difficult to understand or largely incomplete, with no noteworthy recommendations. Assignment shows thorough analysis of the situation with outstanding recommendations.Assignment shows sufficient analysis of the scenario with good recommendations.Assignment makes minimal recommendations and justifications.Assignment shows poor or no understanding of the role of risk analysis in requirements validation.

2

1

0

Writing Conventions

Content is easily understood by the reader throughout the entirety of the assignment. There are minimal spelling and grammar errors, and APA formatting is present.Content is mostly easily understood by the reader throughout the assignment. There are several spelling and grammar errors, and APA formatting is present.Content is not understood by the reader. There are many spelling and grammar errors, and APA formatting is not present.

Total