"Characteristics of Successful Improvement Initiatives"
Clinton Longenecker, Greg Papp, and Timothy Stansfield
Industrial Management
September/October 2006, pp. 25-30
A recent survey of 181 senior-level executives in heavy manufacturing asked what the specific factors were that the executives felt were critical to the success of their improvement initiatives.
The following were the most commonly cited factors:
- Participation, teamwork, and ownership (cited by 81.9% of respondents)
- Clear focus, direction, and goals (72.3%)
- Trustworthy leadership (65.4%)
- Speed and a sense of urgency (59.1%)
- Ongoing measurement, feedback, and adjustment (54.9%)
- Clearly defined improvement process or plan (42.5%)
- Follow-up and accountability (35.9%)
- Effective training or education (31.1%)
- Accurate data and effective analysis (29.2%)
- Clearly defined roles and strong execution (26.3%)
- Rewarding progress and celebrating success (24.8%)
- The right people (23.7%)
- Real commitment to improve or change (21.9%)
Back to top of page
Wayland Secrest, Ph.D.
Editor
2800 Livernois, Suite 130
Troy, Michigan 48083
Phone 888.335.8276
Fax 248.457.0648
QUICK Update is published monthly by GP’s Operational Excellence Practice. This practice was founded in 1978 as Deltapoint Corporation, an early leader in bringing TQM, TPM, and TPS to North America. GP acquired Deltapoint in 1998, adding valuable Six Sigma and Equipment Reliability expertise to the cache of offerings. Today, the team helps organizations across diverse industries implement Lean, Lean Six Sigma, Reliability Excellence, and Supplier Development to compete in a global marketplace. Contact us for more information about how we can help your company realize the benefits of operational excellence: OpExcel@gpworldwide.com.
For a complimentary electronic subscription, contact quick@gpworldwide.com.
For any further research or information assistance, contact the editor at the above address and phone number, or at quick@gpworldwide.com. You can visit us online at: www.gpworldwide.com/ operationalexcellence/.
To obtain copies of any articles listed, please contact your corporate library. Most articles also are available from IngentaConnect (formerly UnCover): www.ingentaconnect.com. Books may be obtained through your corporate library, your local bookstore, or the book's publisher.
