LBS0100 - Continuous Improvement for Business Leaders

Course Description

In this workshop, you will explore a wide range of continuous improvement (CI) methods that can reduce cycle times, boost your return on investment (ROI), and enhance customer and team satisfaction. Whether you manage a start-up or a mature operation, there's always room for improvement. You will learn how to adopt a CI mindset and apply effective CI strategies to seize these opportunities and drive your business forward.

Course Outline

• Context: Why Do We Need Continuous Improvement?
• The Continuous Improvement Mindset
• History and Evolution of Continuous Improvement Methods
• Most Widely Used CI Methods
  • Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) 
  • Total Quality Management (TQM)
  • Lean 
  • Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) Methodology
• New and Evolving CI Methods
  • Agile Sigma© - Business Process Optimization method
  • Workflow Automation Tools & Platforms
  • BPMS (Business Process Management Systems)
  • Digital Transformation
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Methods and Tools
  • RPA/MIPI/ACM (Robotic Process Automation/Model-based Process Improvement/Adaptive Case Management)
• Selecting CI Method(s) to Meet Your Needs

Learner Outcomes

• Knowledge and understanding of Agile Leadership concepts and methods.
• An understanding of how business leaders can benefit from an Agile Leadership mindset.
• The means to take steps to establish and foster an Agile Culture across organizations and teams.

About Your Instructor

Timothy T. Gaffney graduated from Northwestern University with a BS in Industrial Engineering and worked over 35 years in the Engineering and Telecommunications industries. As a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Tim delivered significant increases in revenues on multiple projects. As an Agile Scrum Master, Tim led efforts that provided rapid, expert team-driven updates via enhanced workflows to improve the customer service process significantly.

As an active retiree since retiring in 2013, Tim provides training and consulting services for Six Sigma, Lean, Project Management, and Agile Sigma© (a new methodology Tim developed and launched in 2017). Tim is currently providing services directly to clients and through Harper College Community Education, customized training with Harper Business Solutions, and via other local community college business outreach programs.

Scholarship Opportunity 

This workshop is part of a scholarship program through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Noncredit Workforce Training Initiative grant program.

Apply here at least 1 week before the start date of your desired class to find out if you are eligible for a partial or full tuition scholarship. Scholarship funding is limited. Grant period ends March 31, 2025. 

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Applies Towards the Following Digital Badges

• Business Growth Badge : Business Growth