Management Consulting
Apr 17 2012
Appian World 2012: Day 1
Day 1 of Appian World 2012 is in the books, and what day it was! From a CapTech perspective, sponsoring this year made all the difference. Last year, our first at Appian World, was mainly about learning: both about Appian the company and about their BPM application as well. This year, we were privileged enough to have a table in the Sponsor Pavilion, which led to many more valuable conversations regarding CapTech’s potential to partner with many current and would-be Appian customers. A few days ago, I previewed the conference with my “Coming Soon: Appian World 2012” blog, and promised to provide a write-up following both days giving a small glimpse into some of our takeaways from the many talks and panel discussions packed into the agenda, so here you go! My notes from the day are much more long-winded, so I’ve tried to cut back and keep it fairly high-level! If interested, I just may have additi
Apr 16 2012
Biggering the IT (in the AudIT)
When I read the following two descriptions together they sound like the business equivalent of Dr. Seuss:
“CISA is to Audit what CPA and CA are to Accounting” – ISACA
“The CITP credential […] focuses on information assurance and business insight required to bridge the gap between company management and the technology they leverage. The CISA credential strictly focuses on the skills and knowledge required to perform information systems audits.” - AICPA
The implicit perspective is that there is a clear bright line between the business and IT.
Apr 16 2012
Meet the ASQ
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.
Apr 12 2012
A Lean Fix to Stock-Outs
When was the last time you visited a retailer only to find they were out of the product you needed? Stock-outs are too common in retailers of all sizes from private to big box. In many cases, the product you need is there, but instead of being on the shelf, it is in the backroom still boxed from a recent shipment. There is a series of events that the product must go through before being available on the selling floor:
Apr 12 2012
Are Lessons Learned a Project Management or Change Management Tool?
Are Lessons Learned a project management tool or a change management tool? The answer is: both. Especially when collected periodically, rather than just at the end of a project.
As our primary tool for evaluating the successes and shortcomings of a project, Lessons Learned are traditionally categorized under project management – a categorization that makes a lot of sense. Project management tends to be about managing the tasks and processes around a project so that the product comes in on time, on budget and meets all the requirements. Lessons Learned helps identify improvements that can be made, kicks off improvement processes and documents them so that future projects can benefit. This is project management.