Table of Contents

Introduction: The Science and Art of Improvement. INTRODUCTION TO IMPROVEMENT. A Model for Improvement. Skills to Support Improvement. Examples of Improvement Efforts. METHODS FOR IMPROVEMENT. Using the Model for Improvement. Developing a Change. Testing a Change. Implementing a Change. Case Studies of Improvement Efforts. AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO IMPROVEMENT. Integrating Improvement to Increase Value. Eliminating Quality Problems. Reducing Costs while Maintaining or Improving Quality. Expanding Customer Expectations to Increase Demand. Guidance for Leaders: A Resource Guide to Change Concepts and Applications: Appendix A. Eliminate Waste. Appendix B. Improve Work Flow. Appendix C. Optimize Inventory. Appendix D. Change the Work Environment. Appendix E. Enhance the Producer/Customer Relationship. Appendix F. Manage Time. Appendix G. Manage Variation. Appendix H. Design Systems to Avoid Mistakes. Appendix I. Focus on a Product/Service.

About the Author

GERALD J. LANGLEY is a consultant with Associates in Process Improvement, a national consulting firm. Gerald Langley has been a statistician and manager at Hewlett Packard Corporation and consultant to a variety of industries on methods of improvement. KEVIN M. NOLAN is a consultant with Associates in Process Improvement, a national consulting firm. Kevin Nolan, a statistician, has assisted manufacturing, service, and healthcare organizations in accelerating their improvement in quality and productivity. CLIFFORD L. NORMAN is a consultant with Associates in Process Improvement, a national consulting firm. Clifford Norman, a Certified Quality Engineer, has over fifteen years of experience in implementing the quality process in various companies. LLOYD P. PROVOST is a consultant with Associates in Process Improvement, a national consulting firm. His consulting experience as a statistician includes planning, management systems, measurement, data analysis, and other improvement methods. THOMAS W. NOLAN is a consultant with Associates in Process Improvement, a national consulting firm. Nolan, who holds a doctorate in statistics, has consulted on quality to many different industries in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Reviews

"This book is a major milestone in our understanding of the science of improvement. It is destined to be a classic in the field. It offers leaders not only a comprehensive framework, but also dozens of useful specific suggestions for achieving new levels of quality and productivity." (Donald M. Berwick, Institute of Healthcare Improvement and author of Curing Health Care)

"The Improvement Guide is a rare jewel of a book packed with powerful ideas and knowledge; it should be required reading for every student and should be on every corporate bookshelf. This book fills a major void in the Quality literature by combining fresh insights, practical guidelines, and compelling examples on improvement in a captivating and easy-to-understand manner." (Paddy Meskell, senior vice president of human resources, Silver Diner Development, Inc.)

"The Improvement Guide provides a proven framework for quality as business strategy by linking improvement to methods of managing change. It clearly will assist leaders in making permanent improvements." (Robert Tusch, manager, Quality Development and Organizational Effectiveness, Exxon Chemical Company)

"The Conrad Company has been able to double its sales while reducing operating costs during the last five years. I attribute much of our success as an organization to the theories and methods discussed in this long overdue book. People who are interested in learning -- and in making improvements and money while having fun -- should take the time to study this material." (Robert Butts, president, The Conrad Company)

The Improvement Guide can be used by anyone in an organization to successfully integrate improvements into their system while achieving results in customer satisfaction, quality, lower costs, and productivity." (George Haefner, former president and CEO, Conegra Poultry Company)