A SET-UP FOR OPERATING CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN ORGANIZATION PRIORITIZING FLOW EFFICIENCY : A Qualitative Case Study of PIM RBS Kista Ericsson
Abstract: Objective– The objective of this thesis is to provide a set-up for operating continuous improvement (CI) in organizations prioritizing flow efficiency. Design/Methodology/ Approach – The set-up was created by an elaboration on by literature identified critical factors for successful CI. Empirical findings were collected through a qualitative case study, including semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. Findings – This research has shown that organizations prioritizing flow efficiency should form their improvement efforts around processes. Three different levels of CI have been suggested, each formed around the process and sub-processes being improved. The lowest level (local improvement teams) builds the foundation for CI, as it represents people performing the tasks being improved. The other two levels include forums with the purpose to involve management, link sub-processes, prioritize improvements, and make decisions regarding bigger improvements. Roles and responsibilities have also been identified. To maintain involvement for CI, it is suggested that each level should decide their own goals and priorities by involving executives, managers and workers. Further, it is essential that the operation of CI efforts have an integrated and standard methodology for driving CI, as it eases cross-functional interactions and communication. It is important that this integrated methodology is seen as a process/cycle and can be used in a dynamic way, demanding rather high knowledge and thus training amongst workers. Empirical Contribution – this paper provides recommendations for practitioners prioritizing flow efficiency that want to operate CI in their organizations. Theoretical Contribution – a theoretical contribution has been made, firstly by identifying important areas of critical factors to elaborate on in organizations prioritizing flow efficiency. Secondly, by elaborating on identified areas, difficulties and facilitators, together with potential solutions to the difficulties, could be identified. Thirdly, this thesis has contributed to useful and usable theories that help organizations make proper decisions when operating CI by suggesting a set-up for operating CI.
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