An approach for process optimization paradigm selection

Process improvement practitioners have a wide range of techniques to choose from in facilitating a project, ranging from kaizen events to lean, six sigma, and lean sigma. It is important to select the right paradigm based on the project objectives and the process characteristics. Moreover, selection of the right paradigm has a significant impact on the time and resource constraints and imposes different project management challenges. Existing literature does not provide a detailed systematic approach to aid the practitioner in choosing the appropriate improvement method. This paper discusses a framework for that decision-making process considering key process characteristics. In addition to the selection of the right method, this framework will aid the practitioner to develop a project charter with relative ease. Draft project charters can be automatically generated, which significantly help in the project planning phases. The paper is targeted towards process improvement practitioners (lean/sigma black belts) and project managers.