Seattle ISPI - December Meeting
Thursday, December 15
2100 Building - Art Room
2100 24th Avenue South, Seattle WA 98144
6:00pm Networking & Snacks
6:30-7:30pm Presentation
7:30-8pm Q&A
Free! But Limited seats are available.
Register at
http://seattle-ispi-dec2011.eventbrite.com/
Lean Methods and Human Performance
Lean techniques can be applied for profound improvements in product development, service delivery, and modern manufacturing. Often associated with Six Sigma, Lean is actually focused more on flow than quality, but quality improvement is a common side effect - because of the focus also on waste. Lean methods originate with the work of Henry Ford, Edward Deming, and the Toyota Production System... But there have been many implementations in companies such as Boeing, General Electric, Dell Computer and others. Lean methods are also being brought to bear on near-term challenges in Health Care and Insurance. Far from being a fad, Lean techniques have been around for decades now and have led to many quick, sustained breakthroughs.
This presentation will provide an overview and some specific techniques applicable across industry. Related techniques will also be addressed... such as the Theory of Constraints and Critical Chain Project Management. It will relate Systems Thinking methods, as time delays and human mechanisms are key also to Lean Thinking. Lean methods can be a powerful addition to your HPT toolset.
Bio
Jeff Smith is a Senior Consultant and Team Performance Coach for Net Objectives. Jeff has been in High technology for over 30 years and specializes in driving internal productivity breakthroughs. He is the current chair for the Seattle and Eastside Area Software Process Improvement Network(SPIN), President of the Seattle ISPI Chapter(International Society for Performance Improvement), and has also served on the board of the Austin SPIN, Agile Austin, and the Austin AITP Chapter (Association of IT Professionals) Chapter. Jeff's experience includes process and development work with organizations large and small, including Dell, IBM, BearingPoint, Boeing, Trilogy, Lexis Nexis, as well as some smaller technology startups and various confidential clients. He holds a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, with additional certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, Software Process, ITIL, and software test.
