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Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Lean Six Sigma Bursts

By Brion Hurley

Brion Hurley from Business Performance Improvement shares his takes and thoughts on a variety of topics related to process improvement (specifically Lean and Six Sigma methods), Bursts are rapid improvement activities, so this sounded like a good word to use for these short audio clips. We'll try to keep them under 10 minutes each. Have a question? Use the anchor app to leave us a voice message, and we might pick your question for our next episode!
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E60: Lean in Real Life - Selecting a Lean Six Sigma Project Within an Existing Project

Lean Six Sigma BurstsApr 24, 2022

00:00
07:37
E100: How 6 M's and Fishbone (Ishikawa) or Cause and Effect Diagrams Can Help Reduce Water Consumption Usage in your Company

E100: How 6 M's and Fishbone (Ishikawa) or Cause and Effect Diagrams Can Help Reduce Water Consumption Usage in your Company

In episode 100, I share a segment of a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training course I conducted, where I went into details about the Fishbone Diagram and the 6 M's, and I thought you might find it useful.

When you are trying to uncover possible causes of a problem, using the 6 M's with a Fishbone Diagram is a great way to enhance your team brainstorming, and methodically narrow down the causes through a process of elimination.

I've also posted a video of the slides I presented, if you want to see the graphics and gain more insights from what I shared.


Links

Mar 05, 202407:08
E99: Excerpt from the book, "Lean Six Sigma for Good - Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1)"

E99: Excerpt from the book, "Lean Six Sigma for Good - Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1)"

In episode 97, we released an excerpt by Elisabeth Swan from "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1)"

This is an excerpt from the audiobook version Volume 1.

I share the story of running a small nonprofit organization in Portland, called Recycling Advocates (now called Waste-free Advocates). We created a fundraiser conference called Zero Waste Conference, to promote the reduction of items going to the landfill.

I was able to incorporate some Lean and Six Sigma principles to the event planning to prevent issues like parking confusion, sign-in delays, seating charts, predicting show up rates, and much more. The entire chapter requires the purchase of the book, but remember that the proceeds from the book sales supports the nonprofit organizations selected by each of the 8 chapter authors.

Links

Feb 20, 202406:57
E98: Lean Six Sigma training and Coaching Program Case Studies

E98: Lean Six Sigma training and Coaching Program Case Studies

In this podcast, I expand on Podcast #96, where I talked about the questions to consider in a training and coaching program.

I go through 6 different case studies of customized training and coaching programs I've helped develop with clients to meet their specific needs, and how the payback on training is often as short as a few months!

If you'd like to get a quote for some training options, ⁠fill out this training request form⁠, and we'll be in touch, or contact me at ⁠⁠⁠brion@biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠


Links

Feb 13, 202411:57
E97: Excerpt from the book, "Lean Six Sigma for Good - Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)"

E97: Excerpt from the book, "Lean Six Sigma for Good - Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)"

This is an excerpt from the audiobook version of "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 2)"
Elisabeth Swan shares the story of volunteering with the Cape Cod Childcare Development nonprofit organization. She discusses getting a call from the CEO to help the organization utilize more Lean Six Sigma Green Belt skills and methods within the organization.
In one of the examples highlighted in her chapter, she shares how they reviewed their expenses and processes, and managed to update the ordering process, consolidate vendors, reduce the number of steps involved in getting supplies to the people who needed them, all while ensuring the Finance Department received the right info to pay the bills. The savings from the monthly cellphone bill, combined with switching to a new vendor, was enough to afford the mortgage for the building to house the new Head Start program.
Proceeds from the book purchase supports the nonprofit organizations selected by each of the 8 chapter authors.

Links

Feb 07, 202406:44
E96: What is the best option for effective Lean Six Sigma training and coaching?

E96: What is the best option for effective Lean Six Sigma training and coaching?

When I talk to clients about training their team, that usually opens up a lot of questions in my mind that we'll need to discuss before I can give them a ballpark number quote.

In this podcast, I run through the questions you need to consider in order to create an effective training program that will result in hands-on application and payback on the investment, while keeping the costs minimal.

If you'd like to get a quote for some training options, fill out this training request form, and we'll be in touch, or contact me at ⁠⁠brion@biz-pi.com⁠⁠


Links

Feb 02, 202412:21
E95: Hypothesis Testing Basics - Can James Bond tell the difference between a shaken or stirred martini?
Jan 23, 202404:37
E94: Interested in a Free "Lean at Home" Coaching Program?

E94: Interested in a Free "Lean at Home" Coaching Program?

Back in 2020, I created a course called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" and I'm offering a free coaching program this month to help you complete the course and get help implementing the concepts into your personal life.


Are you interested? Contact me at brion@biz-pi.com


Links

Podcast episodes #50-56 (Audio version of course)


Jan 08, 202403:38
E93: An overview of Statistical Process Control (SPC)
Dec 11, 202306:49
E92: Should my kaizen event be a planning session or a working session?
Dec 04, 202308:17
E91: How can I get the most frontline worker participation in a kaizen working event?
Nov 27, 202306:24
E90: Free Lean and Sustainability Webinar Series - Nov 28th and 30th

E90: Free Lean and Sustainability Webinar Series - Nov 28th and 30th

I've been helping set up a webinar series with support from the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum and the Iowa Lean Consortium. There are two webinars you can choose from, or sign up for both.


I will be presenting the first webinar, Lean Methods for Sustainable Organizations. I will introduce those in sustainability roles to Lean methods, which have become some of the most popular improvement methods used in high-performing organizations in manufacturing, healthcare, government and many other industries.


The second webinar, Sustainability for Lean Organizations, will be presented by Adam Hammes from SGS North America. He will help demonstrate to process improvement specialists, engineers, and management the business case for applying risk and quality management strategies like Lean to sustainability performance.


Links

Nov 18, 202307:06
E89: Q&A from Six Sigma training - What to do when data collection system is under development?
Nov 12, 202305:12
E88: Q&A from Six Sigma training - What if solutions are part of your Six Sigma project charter?
Nov 05, 202307:45
E87: Six Sigma in Real Life: Taguchi Loss Function for Hotel Pool Temps and the Solar Eclipse

E87: Six Sigma in Real Life: Taguchi Loss Function for Hotel Pool Temps and the Solar Eclipse

In this podcast, I discuss the Taguchi Loss Function again, this time using some real-life examples. I discuss hotel pool temperatures, solar eclipses, and fruit ripeness.


I originally talked about this topic in Episode 37, explaining how an increase in variation away from the target value (even within specification limits) leads to an exponential increase in customer dissatisfaction. This is different than the traditional approach of viewing results within the specification limits as good, and results outside of the specification limits as bad.


Hope you enjoy this topic. If you think of other real-life examples, please let me know!

Links

Oct 31, 202309:37
E86: Camping and the 8 Wastes (TIM WOODS)
Oct 12, 202320:57
E85: Six Sigma Criticisms #1 - The Motorola 1.5 Sigma Shift
Oct 02, 202309:37
E84: Using Process Mapping and Regression to Reduce Electricity Usage

E84: Using Process Mapping and Regression to Reduce Electricity Usage

Sep 13, 202313:06
E83: Clip from Interview with Climate Change Professional David Saunders

E83: Clip from Interview with Climate Change Professional David Saunders

In this episode, I discuss an interview and discussion I had with Climate Change Professional and former Quality executive, David Saunders. We talk about how to leverage your skills of process and quality improvement to improve the environment and help mitigate climate change.

Links

Aug 26, 202306:44
E82: Q&A from SPC presentation - What software to use? What about nonnormal data?
Aug 16, 202307:34
E81: Does Toyota use SPC Control Charts?
Aug 08, 202308:49
E80: Reduce environmental impacts in your business with Ecology's Lean/Green program

E80: Reduce environmental impacts in your business with Ecology's Lean/Green program

In this episode, I discuss the Washington State Department of Ecology Lean and Green program that I've been supporting the last few years as a consultant. The audio is an interview with the program administrator and my contact point at Ecology, Hugh O'Neill. He shares how this program can help businesses save money, reduce their environmental impact and engage employees. If you are a business in Washington that might be interested, check out the links below. If you're outside of Washington, contact me to learn how we can help you with a customized program. I also invite you to check out my other podcast, "Lean Six Sigma for Good" if you're interested in environmental and societal improvements.

p.s. Hugh is retiring this year, and I'd like to personally thank him for all his work on this topic, and including me in their very important work. You will be missed!

Links

Jul 10, 202308:49
E79: How to measure variation using Range and Standard Deviation
Jun 21, 202305:58
E78: How to measure central tendency using the mean and median (and which is better)

E78: How to measure central tendency using the mean and median (and which is better)

The following topic was taken from one of my recent Yellow Belt courses, explaining how to use Mean (or average) and Median to measure the middle of a set of data, whether it is solar panel production, calories eaten per day or electricity consumed per day.

Links

Jun 09, 202309:43
E77: Client Survey Shows Daily Huddles Improve Communication and Engagement Based on Paired T-Test Analysis
Jun 03, 202308:49
E76: Why You Should Not Skip Over Measure and Analyze in your DMAIC Improvement Project
May 28, 202304:26
E75: Lean in Real Life - Small improvements add up with water cooler and dealing with small samples

E75: Lean in Real Life - Small improvements add up with water cooler and dealing with small samples

In this episode, I discuss an improvement I made at home, that saved time in my personal life, and why small improvements are worth pursuing and not overlooking. I also discuss how small sample sizes are not a barrier to running statistical tests of significance or hypothesis tests.

Links

Apr 24, 202311:23
E74: 10 things to consider before completing the DMAIC Control Phase

E74: 10 things to consider before completing the DMAIC Control Phase

In this episode, I discuss the importance of the Control phase in a Six Sigma DMAIC Improvement project, including the key considerations to make before closing out your improvement activity.

  1. Create a system and/or process to monitor the results
  2. Update any documentation of the processes and procedures
  3. Update any training of the processes
  4. Create a response or mitigation plan in case there is a drop in performance
  5. Add any visual controls or job aids that can be posted in the work area
  6. Review incentives to encourage new improvements to be used or followed
  7. Identify contact names and resources if employee has questions about the new improvements
  8. Schedule process audits or reviews for the next 30, 60 and 90 days
  9. Ensure improvements have been labeled, have a clear storage space, and have someone assigned to reorder them or perform maintenance on them (if applicable)?
  10. Ensure clear ownership of the improvements have taken place by the process owners


Links

Apr 05, 202308:43
E73: Women in Manufacturing Panel Discussion on Lean Manufacturing
Feb 24, 202310:13
E72: How to finalize a project when results might take years to measure?
Feb 18, 202309:18
E71: New book release, Lean Six Sigma for Good (Volume 2)

E71: New book release, Lean Six Sigma for Good (Volume 2)

In this episode, I discuss a project I'm really excited about, the 2nd book release in the Lean Six Sigma for Good book series.

This is the 2nd collection of real-life experiences and stories from Lean and Six Sigma practitioners who have spent time at the "gemba" with not-for-profit organizations. They have generously offered to write a chapter about lessons learned and tools they have applied. There are 8 chapters in total.

  • Joe Wojniak and Lynn McCullough: Improving Thrift Shop Donations (interview with authors) - Proceeds donated to TRU Community Care
  • Tim Turner: Helping Others By Following The Toyota Way (podcast interview with Tim) - Proceeds donated to Center for Quality People and Organizations (CQPO)
  • Douglas Cooper: Lessons from Liberia – Standard Work as the Foundation for Lean Practices - Proceeds donated to Mercy Corps
  • Anita Havemann: Reducing Time and Complexity in Nonprofit Accounting - Proceeds donated to Relay Resources
  • Steve Bell: Simple Framework for Complex Problems - Proceeds donated to Lean4NGO.org
  • lisabeth Swan: Leaning into the Mission of Childcare (podcast interview with Elisabeth) - Proceeds donated to Cape Cod Children’s Place
  • Tracy O’Rourke: Increasing Meals Per Hour with Kitchens for Good (podcast interview with Tracy) - Proceeds donated to Kitchens for Good
  • Joy E. Mason: Using Six Sigma to Address Racial Equity (podcast interview with Joy) - Proceeds donated to The Six Sigma Racial Equity Institute

I think this is a great book to share with potential volunteers, or nonprofits or public service agencies wanting to learn more about how Lean or Six Sigma can be applied to their organizations.

Links

Jan 28, 202305:17
E70: Use ECRS or SPACER to help brainstorm improvement solutions
Jan 14, 202308:53
E69: Use Action Priority in your next FMEA instead of only using RPN
Dec 15, 202206:05
E68: Lean Six Sigma Virtual Coaching and Certification Program Starting in 2023
Dec 06, 202210:16
E67:  Why Single-stall Production Systems are more efficient than Assembly Lines
Oct 15, 202207:31
E66: 16 Surprising But Powerful Concepts I've Learned About Lean
Oct 11, 202214:07
E65: Lean Case Studies Across Different Industries - Manufacturing, Government and Healthcare
Sep 23, 202205:29
E64: Applying Lean Thinking and Process Improvement to Nonprofits and NGOs Case Studies
Sep 17, 202207:33
E63: Six Sigma in Real Life - Analyzing Iowa Football Turnover Data for Improvement
Sep 11, 202209:04
E62: 5S and the KonMari method
Jun 18, 202207:59
E61: Lean in Real Life - Defining Key Metrics for a Project
May 08, 202205:13
E60: Lean in Real Life - Selecting a Lean Six Sigma Project Within an Existing Project
Apr 24, 202207:37
E59: Lean in Real Life - Improving Bottlenecks Using Theory of Constraints
Apr 13, 202206:39
E58: Combining my passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes with statistical analysis
Apr 03, 202207:11
E57: Using Takt Time to Successfully Hire Enough Job Applicants
Mar 30, 202204:54
E56: "Lean at Home" FINAL Course Module #7 - Making Mouthwash Project Example
Mar 26, 202207:04
E55: "Lean at Home" Course Module #6 - Error Proofing and Documenting Your New Process
Mar 25, 202205:54
E54: "Lean at Home" Course Module #5 - 5S Method for Home Organization
Mar 23, 202206:29
E53: "Lean at Home" Course Module #4 - How to See the 8 Wastes
Mar 20, 202213:30
E52: "Lean at Home" Course Module #3 - Collecting Data and Mapping the Process
Mar 18, 202205:17
E51: "Lean at Home" Course Module #2 - Selecting a Home Process to Improve
Mar 06, 202205:55