Process improvement

/ˈprɑsɛs ɪmˈpruvmənt/ noun

Definition

The systematic approach to identifying, analyzing, and enhancing existing business processes to optimize performance, reduce costs, or improve quality. Involves mapping current processes and implementing changes for better outcomes.

Etymology

'Process' from Latin 'processus' (advance, progress) and 'improvement' from Old French 'emprover' (to turn to profit). Became formalized business discipline in the 1950s with quality management movements.

Kelly Says

Most process improvement fails because people try to improve broken processes instead of questioning whether the process should exist at all. Sometimes the best improvement is complete elimination.

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