Kyle Fondren
May 10 2012
Lean and Six Sigma: Two Peas is a Process Engineering Pod
by Kyle Fondren
Historically, both the Six Sigma and Lean methodologies have existed to serve the purpose of improving the operational effectiveness in a variety of businesses. In the past, they have stood alone as methodologies. The current trend is to combine Six Sigma and Lean, providing a greater toolset from which operational waste can be identified, measured, and improved. Though the concepts behind Six Sigma and Lean are different, the two can, and arguably should, be used jointly.
Six Sigma Reduces Variability
The goal of Six Sigma is to reduce the variability in a process in order to deliver practically defect-free products and services. Six Sigma relies heavily on statistical analysis to achieve gains in quality and typically has a direct impact to the bottom line. The Six Sigma methodology has a ‘scientific method-like’ approach called DMAIC, which stands for:
Tagged: Lean, Operational Efficiency, Process Engineering, Six Sigma, Waste
Apr 16 2012
Meet the ASQ
by Kyle Fondren
Though there are many sources of Lean and Six Sigma certifications, one of the most historic and significant is the American Society for Quality (ASQ). CapTech has embraced the ASQ process of certification and supports its organizational goals. CapTech currently has over 25 consultants who are ASQ Certified Six Sigma Green Belts, and 5 ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belts. In addition to obtaining these certifications, CapTech also has an extensive internal training program to prepare consultants for the various ASQ certifications. Let me introduce you to the ASQ.
Tagged: American Society for Quality, ASQ, Lean, Process Engineering, quality, Six Sigma
Apr 09 2012
Consider the "Presenter's Paradox" when giving rewards and recognition
by Kyle Fondren
We all struggle with how to present information. Whether good or bad, information can be interpreted in drastically different ways by the recipient due to the delivery by the presenter. The different perceptions of the recipients of the same information, based on the delivery, has been coined the “Presenter’s Paradox” by consumer behavior research professor, Dr. Kim Weaver. I had the pleasure of collecting data for Dr. Weaver’s research as a consumer behavior research assistant at Virginia Tech. At the time, I saw the value in the data, but could have never predicted how applicable it would be in my profession.
Tagged: future state, Human Resources, Incentives, Organizational Change Management, Process Engineering, Rewards and Recognition, Six Sigma
Apr 06 2012
IT Ripple Effects of the Mortgage Meltdown
by Kyle Fondren
As a result of the most recent economic crisis, many mortgage companies have turned to IT service providers to improve their processes with increased efficiencies and accuracy. One of the most salient impacts of the crisis has been the decrease in profit margins due to the cost of maintaining compliance with new regulations and the penalty for underwriting errors. With the cost of inaccuracy increasing, automated systems are needed to help decrease the risk of human error, assist in mitigating the risk of fraud, and complete complex calculations to attain the full potential of profit in every transaction. In order for IT service providers to properly position themselves to provide such solutions, it is important to understand the ever changing landscape of the mortgage technology industry.
Apr 02 2012
Applying the Science Behind Consumer Behavior to Change Management
by Kyle Fondren
Sitting in my home office, working on some training materials, I noticed a book on my shelf. The book was Dr. Robert Cialdini’s Influence. I had read Influence in a college consumer behavior course as a reference for the psychology behind consumer purchasing decisions. There is a very strong relevance between the principles in the book and gaining buy-in when managing change.
According to Dr. Robert Cialdini, there are six principles of influence. There is a significant advantage in leveraging these principles in change management initiatives because they can help ensure getting the buy-in necessary to support the change.
The Six Principles of Influence:
Reciprocity
Tagged: Buy-in, Change Management, future state, OCM, Stakeholder Engagement
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The words and opinions expressed here are those of each article's respective author, and do not necessarily represent the views of CapTech Ventures.