econLOG utilises continuous improvement principles, from
design to implementation and beyond, in order to provide a
mechanism for sustaining benefits, that exceeds the typical
life of projects and programmes. Continuous improvement
(CI) is not a tool or technique as such - it is more of a
cultural approach to quality improvement, which relies on
small sustainable step changes to improve quality as well
as efficiency. There are three main themes that we usually
address through this approach: change curve, default
behaviour and benefit depreciation.
Change Curve: it is important for
organisations to recognise that whenever any change is
first implemented, there will be a learning curve during
which users become familiar with the new environment and
“teething troubles” are resolved. The time taken to
pass through this phase will vary depending on the
magnitude of the changes introduced. Once this hurdle
is overcome, benefits associated with the changes in
behaviours required by the new environment will begin to
accrue.
Default behaviour: given that all
organisations have a natural tendency to gravitate toward
traditional behaviours, even well-intentioned employees
often slip back into performing the job duties just as they
have always done them. This situation can result in
performance gains being lost over time or not being
realised at all. All organisations have strengths and all
have areas where improvement is necessary. The acceptance
of this position in an open, mature and positive way,
without fear of failure, is vital for the successful
integration of CI.
Benefit depreciation: as time passes, the
extent to which any potential benefits are realised can
decline. To address this, a self-evaluation framework
needs to be applied in exploring the result of changes in
circumstances that were not reflected in the implementation
of the future state, poor provision of training and support
after the implementation, reversion to old procedures etc.
econLOG will work with you in translating the
approach into social, cultural and political learning that
enables sustainable capability development. In supporting
efforts to sustain the new environment, we will assist in
the creation of feedback mechanisms for ensuring that
lessons learnt from focused implementation are applied to
future roll-outs and, where necessary, built into ongoing
support mechanisms. We will also work with you in defining
and planning the practical implications of adopting a
continuous improvement approach. This can range from
re-allocation or additional investment of resources, to
staff training in order to promote learning and CI; to
reviewing operational leadership and empowering individuals
to use the approach.
