Choosing the Right Map Note: The discussion questions for last week and this week will help you prepare for your first assignment, Part A of your Operational E

Choosing the Right Map

Note: The discussion questions for last week and this week will help you prepare for your first assignment, Part A of your Operational Excellence Course Project, due in Week 4. Before beginning this discussion question, review the Course Project overview on pp. 16-17 of the Course Guide.

In Part A of your Course Project, you will create a detailed map of the current state of the workflow from input to output for the operational improvement initiative you are focusing on. In your initial post:

• Include a brief SIPOC synopsis of the main components of the business process or workflow you will be addressing in Part A of your Course Project.
• Identify the type of map (Value Stream, Detailed Swim Lane, or Detailed Process) will you create to document the current state.
• Explain why this map type the best choice for your initiative.

 Inside the World's Best Companies

Choice of process types is a strategic decision. Effective management of a chosen process type can be the difference between a winning and losing business.

After reviewing this week’s course materials, specifically the OM Reading: "Designing, Managing, and Improving Operations," locate and share an article or video that illustrates how an organization has leveraged one or more process types to become a world leader.

In your initial post, explain:

• Why the choice of operational processes used by this organization have allowed it to establish a sustainable competitive advantage.
• What lessons can operations managers and leaders take from this example?