Abstract

This talk discusses a value improvement model (VIM) for repetitive processes applicable to any business where people and/or plant provide a service to support the overall business objective. Arguing competitive advantage can be realised through different amalgams of productive and strategic resources, the VIM focuses on aligning resource bundles and influencing factors creating efficient and effective processes. The internal elements on the model focus on identifying resource bundles and process control mechanisms matched to product/process requirements. After mapping the repetitive process and measuring outcomes gap analysis is used to identify potential value improvements. Resource bundles are then changed and control mechanisms are updated to ensure sustainability. Also influencing the repetitive process are internal and external environmental factors which can be negative or positive. Internal factors are more easily changed and the gap analysis may lead to a change requirement of an internal factor (examples include: tangential processes, culture, plant condition, technical standards). External factors are very difficult to influence but may impact the process (examples include: weather, economy, legislation) In summary this EngD research project has developed a visual and systematic framework that enables managers to understand, analyse and improve repetitive processes within their businesses.