Knowledge question

Topic 1 Establish systems and processes

List at least six factors that facilitate continuous improvement and at least six factors that hinder continuous improvement.

Continuous improvement is the process of identifying and solving problems. A problem can be said to exist whenever there is a difference between an actual situation and a desired situation. List at least five problems and at least five opportunities that an organisation might face.

1.3a List at least six steps in an effective problem-solving and decision-making processes.

1.3b when new procedures are put in place to facilitate continuous improvement, employees need be informed. List at least six methods that could be used to communicate procedures to internal staff.

1.3c when new procedures are put in place to facilitate continuous improvement eternal stakeholders need be informed. List at least six external stakeholders that might need to be informed.

1.4a why should organisations actively encourage employees to participate in decision-making processes, assume responsibility and exercise initiative?

1.4b how can group decision making assist with involving employees in continuous improvement?

1.5a what impact does the knowledge management policies and procedures of an organisation have on its overall effectiveness?

1.5b Databases are a commonly used form of knowledge storage. The databases allow different levels of security and views, so that specific information which is needed by appropriate people can be accessed and viewed, but does not allow access to all people within the organisation. List at least six procedures for accessing information in a database knowledge storage system.

1.6 Describe the following systems and that facilitate continuous improvement:

Systems management

Building and managing teams to improve productivity

Change management

Understanding organisational processes: SIPOCC

Fact-based decision-making

Process mapping

1.7 What Improvement information might be passed on to employees about continuous improvement outcomes? Why is this necessary and how will this contribute toward further improvements?

 

 

 

Topic 2 Monitor and adjust performance strategies

2.1 Why should you ensure that change and improvement processes meet sustainability requirements?

2.2 Organisations should value the insights and experiences gained through their business activities and capture them using a knowledge management system. This means that information captured in a system should be in a format that is easily searched and results retrieved.

Describe the following features of a knowledge management system:

Best practice transfer.

A community of practice.

Expert directories.

Knowledge brokers.

Post project reviews.

Actively manage knowledge.

2.3 How can coaching or mentoring processes help teams and individuals participate in continuous improvement processes?

2.4 When evaluating ways in which planning and operations could be improved list Six key factors that should be considered.

2.5a When recommending proposed changes list at least six processes that you can focus on to make changes occur more easily.

2.5b How can an organisation’s continuous improvement processes be communicated to stakeholders and how can individuals and teams be encouraged and supported to embrace it?

 

Topic 3 Manage opportunities for further improvement

3.1 The methodology for effective continuous improvement includes making changes and monitoring results, then adjusting. List at least six factors to monitor to ensure that effective change has occurred.

3.2a You have implemented a decision to make a change. You now have to monitor its implementation. What are eight questions you might ask to determine the impact of the decision and its success?

3.2b From what sources might feedback come? Give some examples of feedback that might be relevant.

3.3a What things might organisations consider when undertaking future planning?

3.3b List at least three reasons data should be documented.

 

Topic 4 Specific knowledge evidence

4.1 Continuous improvement is an ongoing effort to improve products, services or processes. These efforts can seek incremental improvement over time or breakthrough/ transformational improvement all at once. Models include PDCA, Kaizen, Total Quality Management.

Provide a brief description of each of these.

4.2 Explain how the following can be incorporated into business systems:

Knowledge management.

Quality systems.

Performance management