Course Learning Objectives

This learning activity will enable students to meet or partially meet the following Course Learning Objectives:

CLO$2.$ Select and apply Lean$/$Six Sigma project and change management techniques to improve an organization$$s performance

CLO$3.$ Select and apply Lean$/$Six Sigma Techniques with an emphasis on improving flow

CLO$4.$ Select and apply Quality Management Techniques with emphasis on Lean Philosophy

CLO$5.$ Evaluate current methods and practices used for the purpose of scheduling production and resource allocation

Learning Activity Overview

Working in groups of $6,$ students will each analyze the two $(2)$ Value Stream Maps provided, then collaborate to share ideas on tools and techniques and ensure the report is cohesive. Submit your analysis, using the PowerPoint template provided, to the Senior Lean Consultant $($the professor$)$ via Brightspace.

Deliverable: A cohesive VSM analysis report using the PowerPoint template provided, including references used.

This Learning Activity will set you up for success in the group project and final exam.

The Case

As junior Lean Consultants at a boutique management consulting firm, you have been tasked with analyzing two $(2)$ value stream maps and developing an action plan for the Senior Lean Consultant to review prior to meeting with the $$client$.$

The Value Stream Mapping sessions were conducted by Lean teams in the respective client organizations $($A warehouse and a Financial Institution$)$ and led by another junior Lean consultant from your firm, who has left unexpectedly.

Picking up where that consultant left off, you will need to:

$$ analyze the value stream maps

$$ determine the main problem

$$ create an opportunity statement for each $$project$$

$$ develop a prioritized list of improvements$/$solutions

$$ note assumptions and items needing further investigation

$$ Top marks $($promotion$!)$ will go to those Lean Consultants who can quantify their improvements!

$$ Write an impactful conclusion to demonstrate to the senior consultant that you will be able to guide the organization$$s Lean team to achieve outstanding results in their improvement efforts!

Refer to Chapter $23$ Mapping and Chapter $24$ Demand Analysis and Variation. The most important aspect of this assignment is to develop $$Clear Problem$/$opportunity statements$.$ Without a solid, SMART opportunity statement, the prioritized list of solutions will not deliver the results that the CEO of the organization is looking for.

As is typical in business$/$industry$,$ you are not given all the necessary information upfront. You may need to make assumptions as you do not have all the information. You may decide that there are aspects to this value stream that need further investigation. Remember...it is not always possible to get ALL the information prior to making a decision, so be cognizant about how much $$investigation$$ will be needed. Any items needing further investigation or assumptions should be noted in your VSM analysis report.

Instructions

$1.$ Form groups of $6.$

$2.$ Read the Learning Activity Instructions and review the two $(2)$ Value Streams provided.

$3.$ Content from weeks $1$ through $6$ will be very helpful. Attending the lecture in weeks $5$ and $6$ will be extremely helpful for this learning activity.

$4.$ Remember Lean is about collaboration! No ONE person can do Lean...it takes a team.

$5.$ Meet as a team to share ideas, findings and discuss approach. How can you improve on the analysis?

$$ Review the problem statement. Is it stated in terms of the customer?

$$ Review the opportunity statement. Is it SMART? Did you write the statement from the perspective of the customer?

$$ Does the lead$-$time make sense? How would you state the lead$-$time in a way that is easily understood and recognizable?

$$ Review the prioritized list of improvements. Do you all agree? In comparing the analysis across the $2$ value streams, what ideas can be added to the other value streams?

$$ Are you able to set new KPI$$s or targets? Can you quantify how the improvement will improve the process?

$$ Write a point form impactful Conclusion based up your analysis. This is the chance to $$sell$$ your consulting firm and your solutions.

$6.$ A rubric for this assignment has been provided on Brightspace

$7.$ Complete the VSM analysis and submit the PowerPoint Template provided using the submission box on Brightspace under Assessments