1. Introduction to Business Processes and Analysis/Improvement methodologies
GEOP 4316

2. Definitions
Process
A set of activities interconnected by a common goal
A set of activities that transforms a set of inputs into a set of outputs

3. Definitions
Business processes (Bps) are defined as a set of activities that
Are “well” defined and structured
Create a product /output for a customer (internal or external)
Require resources ($, space, people, machine,…) and inputs (information, raw materials, …)
Can be measured (efficiency, customer service, …)

4. Definitions
Process improvement is a method to introduce process changes to improve quality, better customer service, reduce costs, or accelerate schedules.

5. Definitions
Process improvement is a series of actions taken to identify, analyze and improve existing processes within an organization to meet new goals and objectives.
These actions often follow a specific methodology or strategy to create successful results.

6. Developments Process improvement is part of human evolutionary nature
Those who did not evolve new processes to hunt, gather, …, farm and form groups died faster
The concept of evolution
Similarly, organizations that do not evolve go bankrupt

7. Developments
Industrial revolution: from customized/ artisan production systems to standardized products/ mass production systems
Ford’s Assembly line
World War 2 represented a new stage in mass production/ process change

8. Philosophies
There are four process analysis and improvement related philosophies/methodologies
Total Quality Management
Business Process Reengineering
Toyota Production System / Lean Systems
Six Sigma/ DMAIC/ DFSS