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The Continuous Improvement Model, 2004.
This paper discusses the continuous improvement process, a project management improvement tool used to design training programs, and its application to schools.
2,095 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that a continuous improvement process relies on the collection of accurate data about how people are performing a task, which is used to design training programs that better prepare people for the work expected of them. The author points out that school systems have been some of the first venues to embrace continuous improvement systems because there is a natural fit between the educational system and an overall organizational or management approach that emphasizes the importance of continuous learning. The paper relates that schools have integrated a continuous improvement model into their overall project management frameworks to improve the situation of both teachers and students. Charts.
From the Paper
"The best fit between worker and organization can often be achieved through a multi-level process. At the first stage of this process the organization uses certain criteria (which may include formal measures such as whether an individual holds a specific degree or more informal measures such as whether a person is detail-oriented) to screen out as well as to select certain individuals. This helps to ensure that those who enter a training program (or who begin to work at an organization) have the right basic tools with which to do the job)."
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Performance Improvement, 2002.
A paper which discusses the meaning of performance improvement, different methods and first steps in improving a business.
2,850 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 9 sources, APA, AU$ 135.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that the current competitive business environment has resulted in a number of performance improvement methods becoming popular. The paper analyzes some of these methods and shows similar characteristics. Two of these characteristics are an increasing focus on the customer and an emphasis on building relationships. These two characteristics are recognized as key success factors for an organization. The paper discusses these two success factors and shows that an organization must change internally to focus on these two success factors. It explores how these changes create an underlying culture that supports a focus on the customer and on building relationships. This underlying culture can then be built upon to adapt to changing times and to continue improving business performance.
Table of Contents
Concepts of Performance Improving - The Best Value Approach
The Value Network Approach
Servqual - The Product-Service Mix Approach
The Balanced Scorecard
Organizational Analysis and Improvement - Key Success Factors
Employee Motivation
Building Relationships
From the Paper
"However, before these changes can be made, the organization itself needs to change. Systems that involve customer focus cannot be successful until the employees and the organization as a whole are motivated towards the customer focus. The same applies to the focus on building relationships. Therefore, a change in the focus of the organization is required. The culture needs to change from one that is self-centered to one that puts the customer first and strives to be collaborative, not competitive. This involves considering how to motivate employees towards the changes and also how to create an environment where relationships can be built."
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Performance Improvement, 2006.
A detailed discussion on performance improvement within a company.
1,665 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 87.95
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Abstract
This paper defines performance improvement within an organization using the "system's thinking" approach. This approach aims to improve performance amongst employees and hence the company. It discusses its implementation, benefits, obstacles and how to rate the system. The paper also offers graphic representation to qualify points made.
Table of Contents:
Details of what a Performance Improvement Project Is
Rate Organization's Performance in this Area
The Obstacles to Improving Performance in this Area that Currently Exist
The Benefits that an Organization would Result from this Performance Improvement Project
The Metrics that will be Used to Measure this Project and How those Metrics Align with the Mission and Goals
The impact of this Performance Improvement Project
Strategies and Approaches could be Used to "Sell" the Project to Management
References
From the Paper
"The main obstacles exist in the area of employee education and training. Since most employees are not clear on the subject of systems thinking, they do not understand how it can be used for performance improvement. This is acting as a major problem in implementing this approach completely. For this reason, the staff almost appears incapable of thinking as part of the whole. Another major problem was that firm had failed to notice this learning problem and since it had not yet been identified, nothing serious had actually been done. In the book, The Fifth Discipline, the author, Senge, had explained some reasons why a firm's employees may fail to think interdependently."
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The "STEP" Improvement Plan, 2007.
This paper discusses the "STEP" improvement plan, which is designed to improve the teaching and learning environment at all grade levels.
1,330 words (approx. 5.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, AU$ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the main goal of the "STEP" improvement plan, which is an acronym for "Students and Teachers Educationally Prepared", is to provide teachers with the professional development and proper tools to educate students with technology, updated materials and content that are geared to promoting cultural diversity in an interactive learning environment. The author provides a detailed example of how the "STEP" works would be used by a teacher for a month of teaching math or science. The paper stresses that many U.S. students are not able complete math and science at their current grade level because of the lack of quality materials and curriculum; therefore, it is essential to provide the students with the "STEP" improvement plan, which contains lessons and materials that will increase their chances of passing standardized tests.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of Need
Plan Description
From the Paper
"After presenting a specific test related topic to the class, the teacher will assist the students with completing research on the computer and network with international pen pals to complete the assignment. All student work will be closely monitored by the teacher through use of the internet. The student's activities, research and communications will be tracked and graded by the teacher. Students will submit all assignments through the website."
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School Program Improvement Plan Analysis, 2006.
An analysis of the aims and implementation strategies for a school program improvement plan, focusing on Minnesota School District # 279.
1,052 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the program improvement plan guide of Minnesota School District # 279. It presents the general aims of a school improvement plan and the areas in which the program aims to support the schools. The paper then looks at how a program could be implemented into a school. Finally, the paper focuses on Minnesota School District # 279 and how the program could be implemented there.
Table of Contents:
School Program Improvement Plan
How is it Undertaken?
The Program Improvement Plan Process Guide of District 279
From the Paper
"The process of improving a school program is a continuous one, it evolves as needs arise. Therefore, implementation and conceptualization is not easy. It needs to be constantly assessed and tested if the program still works according to the demand of the time. The plan to improve the school program is undertaken by a committee or team through the following key steps: a.) Select a reform model, by first assessing the needs of the school so you can decide on which models to adopt, building a knowledge base, becoming familiar with school reform models, determining evidence of effectiveness, making informed selection, and finalizing arrangements with model developer. b.) Design a comprehensive program by reallocating resources and developing action plan. c.) Implement the program by providing leadership, fostering positive relations between administrative staff and the community, looking for early successes, managing the plan, securing external support, checking for possible abrupt improvements. d.) Use evaluation for continuous school improvement by setting standards, promoting a climate for data-driven accountability, monitoring implementation, planning changes, evaluating outcomes, using multiple measures, informing stake holders and creating a user friendly data storage system."
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Continuous Improvement Model, 2002.
An examination of schools as sites of continuous improvement models.
2,097 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how misunderstandings and misconceptions about potential job vacancies can, in large measure, be prevented by using some of the tools from project management improvement that focus on providing iterative changes and corrections. It looks at how such a continuous improvement process relies on the collection of accurate data about how people are performing a task, which are then used to design training programs that better prepare people for the work expected of them. In particular, it focuses on education and shows how schools that have been the most successful in implementing continuous improvement models into the overall management of personnel have been those that have been most willing to allow a high degree of democracy in their workings.
From the Paper
"At each of these stages ? from initial interview to later promotions ? information can be gathered about what each individual does well and where his or her weaknesses are and so where he or she needs additional help and training. There is an inherently good fit between a continuous improvement process and a project management perspective because a continuous improvement process provides the kind of detailed, accurate step-by-step data that is essential to implement any project management methodology. However, simply because there is such an inherently (or potentially) good fit between the two does not mean that the potential that continuous improvement processes have to inform a project management perspective is necessarily always carried out in the world of the real workplace."
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The Business of Home Improvement, 2004.
A comparative analysis of the home improvement and construction companies, Home Depot and Lowe?s.
1,596 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Home Depot is the leading retail marketer of home improvement products, furnishings, and equipment related to the home improvement industry. It looks at how it has become a ubiquitous brand name, virtually synonymous with the home improvement industry. It also explores Lowe?s, its dominant competitor, and shows how, although quite similar in their target audiences and in the products they purvey, Home Depot and Lowe?s are characterized by different marketing structures and have developed rather different goals, boundaries, and activity systems in terms of sales per store and desired customer base.
Outline
Introduction: Home Depot vs. Lowe?s History
Background on Lowe? s
Background on Home Depot
Comparison Between the Two Home Retailers Image
Goals-Boundaries-Activity Systems (GBAS Model)
Conclusion and Recommendations
From the Paper
"The company serves more than ?seven million do-it-yourself and commercial business customers each week through 875 stores in 45 states.? Lowe's advertises its relative smallness and intimacy as a purveyor, and also its community service, such as its contributions to ?civic groups with public safety projects? through which it shares ?important home safety and fire prevention information with neighborhoods across the country.? Also, it states in its company mission ?Lowe's is committed to understanding and reflecting our communities' diverse cultures in our staffing, business partnerships and the products we sell. We are committed to making diversity and inclusion a natural part of the way we do business.? (?About Lowe?s, 2004)"
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The Home Improvement Retail Industry, 2004.
This paper analyzes the home improvement retail industry, with specific focus on two organizations: Home Depot and Lowe's.
3,635 words (approx. 14.5 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 163.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the home improvement retail industry, which today is a booming success, began with large wholesalers selling building supplies to the American public in the early 1900s. By the 1920s, the store sizes decreased and became the first "mom and pop" style hardware stores, which are now being replace by warehouse-style "big boxes" that have taken over the industry today. The author points out that the major companies of this industry, Home Depot and Lowe's, build and operate "big box" stores, which can sell products at lower prices because of their heavy customer volume. The paper states that, once a company like Home Depot and Lowe's establishes a base, the difference in their success is customer service and building customer loyalty.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Home Improvement Retail: A Brief History
Economic Features
Porter's Five Competitive Forces
Driving Forces
Competitive Position of Major Companies
Competitor Analysis
Key Success Factors
Industry Outlook
From the Paper
"The most basic economic feature is the industry's market size and growth rate. According to the National Retail Hardware Association's (NRHA) annual industry report, the industry produced $208 billion in sales revenues for the year 2003. This is nearly double from 1993's total sales revenue of $110.2 billion. Home improvement retail accounts for over 30% of the entire specialty retail industry of which home improvement retail is a sub-industry. In addition to a large market size, the home improvement industry has seen a yearly industry average growth rate from 1997 to 2003 of 6.7%. Further, the industry is projected to grow at a rate of 5.2% per year until at least 2008."
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Operations Improvement Plan, 2005.
Presents an operations improvement plan for a human resources selection process.
3,450 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 191.95
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Abstract
This paper, including an abstract, presents an operations improvement plan for a human resources (HR) department's recruitment and selection process. The paper makes recommendations regarding the workflow process, the reengineering of the HR system, and incorporating corporate goals into HR's modus operandi.
From the Paper
"This paper describes the problems that the Human Resources HR department has encountered in using its current system for recruiting new employees. Through an operations improvement data analysis the causes of those problems ..."
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"Why Improving Quality Doesn't Improve Quality", 2006.
A review of the article "Why improving quality doesn't improve quality" (Or whatever happened to marketing?).
790 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 46.95
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Abstract
This paper aims to inform the reader, as expeditiously as possible, what was done, the outcome of the doing, and the investigator's conclusion, in the paper by Kordupleski, Rust, and Zahorik. The remainder of this review analyzes a particular professional article wherein a marketing concept was presented and evaluated, namely quality programs and process improvement techniques.
From the Paper
"presented and evaluated, namely quality programs and process improvement techniques.
When a manuscript is presented to the public or professional audience the first words a reader is drawn are those in the title of the article or report. Depending on what is included in the title will oftentimes determine whether or not a potential reader will read all that is contained in the manuscript. To this end the author or authors of a research report must, in the beginning, clearly define those concepts contained in the manuscript title. The authors claimed, by way of title, that the reporting of their information would be in the area of "quality" in marketing. Sometimes, however, a "catchy" title can become a significant enticement to spur the reader to read a manuscript regardless of how well or how poorly an article is written. Setting this aside, the thoroughness of overall content presentation is the most pivotal criteria for evaluating a professional journal article."
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Home Improvement Industry, 2004.
A brief overview of the home improvement industry.
745 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
This discussion provides an exploration of the home improvement industry. It discusses industry characteristics and the types of products and services the firms in the industry offer. It also discuss the number of firms, including concentration ratio and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index.
From the Paper
"A major characteristic of this industry is the rapid growth that it has realized in the past ten years. The home improvement industry has quickly become a multi-billion dollar industry. This industry is characterized by warehouse stores that sell home building and home improvement products. The stores tend to be extremely big and divided into various sections including; gardening, kitchen and household appliances, paint, and home building materials. According to Multex Investor, Customers include contractors, building maintenance professionals, tradespersons and homeowners."
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An Instructional Improvement Plan, 2005.
This paper reviews the literature and designs an instructional improvement plan for an accounting firm.
7,140 words (approx. 28.6 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 256.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the goal of an instructional improvement plan is to increase overall profitability through a system, which motivates the staff to increase productivity without sacrificing work quality. The author points out that any kind of performance indicator or assessment involves something that can be measured and recorded; therefore, the author uses a survey to evaluate an employee's work habits and ability to handle the workload. The paper relates that the organization should prepare a plan for the next two quarters in which persons requiring training are taken out in groups, one from each major group within the client handling teams so that the working of the teams are not affected; these persons should be trained separately by experts on all aspects of accounting such as changes and common errors.
Table of Contents
Performance Indicators/Assessments
Productivity Index
Survey of Workload and work Environment
Continuing Professional Development
Concern with Job Security
Managerial Attitude to Employees
Work not Challenging Enough
Unsatisfactory Compensation and Flexibility
Plans
From the Paper
"One should realize that there are many pieces of equipment and this increases the chances of error due to the human components or the machines. This requires a high quantity of back up information to be stored and Sistersons run a back up tape every night and a back up of the full system every weekend. Even for computer servers, back up is a useful tool. The paperless system also has to be secure as the data stored in the system is very sensitive in nature. This delayed the starting of the system by Sisterson till it was sure that its system was good enough to deter raiders except an industrial grade hack."
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Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), 2006.
This paper discusses the value of continuous quality improvement (CQI) as a management philosophy for healthcare organizations.
1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process management approach, which is a spin-off of the Deming/Crosby/Juran total quality management (TQM) approach, is particularly useful for the healthcare industry. The author points out that CQI demands a commitment by the organization to a customer and client-oriented focus. The paper relates that the CQI philosophy underscores the need to dedicate the total organization's involvement in a holistic fashion rather than merely targeting very specific defects.
From the Paper
"At present, Tulane University uses the FOCUS-PDCA Methodology in its approach to management. This is another process-centered approach, like the early work of Deming, Crosby, and Juran. It stresses questioning why something does not work, much like the scientific method and like CQI. Thus, FOCUS-PDCA Methodology is a kind of root cause analysis to the 'whys' of a process failure. Its approach is complementary to CQI. Its orientation is on how the knowledge of the functioning of a process can be tested, changed and improved."
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Fitness Facility Improvement, 2002.
An essay on an improvement plan for a fitness facility.
1,120 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a business plan for a gym or fitness training facility for better use of space and efficient service. Included are plans for better management, improved programming and additional training. The writer explains that this is a big money making enterprise and the right type of facility can be a major hit.
From the Paper
"Fitness facilities have become part of the American landscape. Until recent years fitness centers were found for the most part only in private country clubs or the YMCA. However, now every community has at least one, if not several work-out gyms, complete with massage rooms and spas. New facilities are being built and older centers remodeled every day, each designed with the latest equipment and features to fit the needs of the surrounding community. Moreover, fitness facilities and sports centers have become a competitive market in the business world during the last decade. With franchises opening coast to coast and world wide, fitness is big business."
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Process Improvement, 2004.
A discussion of process improvement using business process-modeling methods.
1,870 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at how, in today?s competitive environment, organizations need to assess and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes across the organization. It examines how, because of this, simulation for modeling has become a significant strategy for various industries, including manufacturing, communications, logistics, and health care. It explores how modeling enhances a company?s ability to know its business, improve performance, and increase its ability to remain competitive, and how the fundamental modeling tools, techniques, and approaches can be the catalyst for creating a world-class organization.
From the Paper
"There are many other examples of the benefits of using discrete event simulation modeling as evidenced by Hlupic and Robinson. One example is when Robinson helped develop a high-level simulation model for an automotive company?s manufacturing operation. There were three plants in close proximity of each other, each handing a different assembly responsibility. The company wanted a simulation model to help determine their facility needs, plant workflow and scheduling patterns. They needed to implement changes to meet increasing customer demand and they had to be sure that the improvements would enable them to handle product diversification to meet customer demands."
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"The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement", 2005.
A discussion of the book, "The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement," by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox.
1,745 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 90.95
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Abstract
This paper summarizes and critically reviews the book. It explains how "The Goal" is written as a novel about a fictitious manufacturing plant and a fictitious manager named Alex Rogo, who has three months to turn his struggling, money-losing plant around or face plant closure. It explains that the book is a business-orientated guide book on a very wide range of business topics.
From the Paper
"The book is well written and very easy to read, even though it covers some quite complicated and complex principles. By using examples from the plant and from Alex's personal life, the authors make their points effectively, by showing how Alex implements them and makes them work. The book has a happy ending, but Alex has to work for it, and as the reader follows him through the process, it makes it more real, and helps the reader understand it more fully. This is an interesting approach to a business text, but it works. Most business and inspirational books are rather dry reading, but following Alex through his fictional adventures is more appealing and more realistic. More business books should follow this example, and create fictional worlds for the reader that they can then apply to their own particular circumstances. If there was anything to criticize about this book, it is the personal details of some of the employees. A manager should know these things, but they sometimes bog the book down."
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