Quality & Operational Excellence

Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement

This course on Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement equips professionals with the tools and methodologies to enhance organisational performance. Participants will learn to identify inefficiencies, implement process improvements, and foster a culture of continuous enhancement across their teams and operations.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

The ability to lead continuous improvement efforts is essential for professionals in various roles, including operations, quality assurance, and project management. Participants will practice practical capabilities through real-world scenarios, enabling them to develop actionable strategies that can be implemented in their organisations. By mastering these techniques, they will be equipped to foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that their teams are motivated and aligned with organisational goals. This course empowers participants to make data-driven decisions, measure the impact of their initiatives, and communicate effectively with stakeholders, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective workplace.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Recurring operational delays and inconsistent process performance.
Improvement initiatives without clear priorities or ownership.
Difficulty sustaining improvements after initial implementation.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and simulations to facilitate hands-on learning. Participants will engage in group exercises to analyse processes, identify waste, and develop improvement plans. Each session culminates in practical outputs, such as process maps and improvement proposals, which serve as evidence of their learning and can be applied directly in their workplaces. Additionally, the use of role-playing scenarios allows participants to experience real-life challenges and practice their decision-making skills in a supportive environment, ensuring they leave with tangible skills and knowledge to implement operational excellence strategies effectively. This approach encourages collaboration and peer learning, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse current operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
Apply Lean principles to streamline workflows and reduce waste in specific scenarios.
Design a Six Sigma project plan to address quality issues within a process.
Evaluate the impact of continuous improvement initiatives on team performance and engagement.
Construct a value stream map to visualise and enhance process flows.
Justify the selection of specific tools and techniques for operational excellence in diverse contexts.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Operations Managers: Responsible for overseeing daily operations and seeking efficiency improvements.
Quality Assurance Professionals: Focused on maintaining high standards and implementing quality control measures.
Project Managers: Tasked with leading improvement projects and ensuring successful outcomes.
Team Leaders: Engaged in driving team performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Identify and eliminate waste in operational processes.
Facilitate team engagement in continuous improvement initiatives.
Utilise Lean and Six Sigma methodologies effectively.
Develop actionable improvement plans based on data analysis.
Communicate process changes and improvements to stakeholders.
Measure and evaluate the success of operational improvements.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding Operational Excellence

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional company's operational challenges, using provided data to identify key areas for improvement. They will work in groups to develop initial recommendations for process enhancements and efficiency gains, considering various operational aspects and stakeholder impacts.

Output: A report outlining identified inefficiencies and initial recommendations for improvement.

09:00–09:54Define operational excellence and its significance in modern organisations.
09:54–10:48Explore key principles of continuous improvement methodologies and their applications.
10:48–11:00Identify common challenges in achieving operational excellence and strategies to overcome them.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identify common challenges in achieving operational excellence and strategies to overcome them. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the role of leadership in fostering a culture of improvement and engagement.
13:06–14:00Examine case studies of successful operational excellence implementations and their outcomes.

Day 2Lean Principles and Waste Reduction

Applied activity: In groups, participants will create a value stream map for a fictional process, identifying waste and opportunities for improvement. They will discuss their findings and propose Lean interventions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, presenting their ideas to the class for feedback.

Output: A completed value stream map highlighting inefficiencies and proposed Lean interventions.

09:00–09:54Introduce Lean principles and their application in operational settings to enhance efficiency.
09:54–10:48Identify the seven types of waste in processes and their impact on productivity.
10:48–11:00Learn techniques for value stream mapping and process flow analysis to identify bottlenecks.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Learn techniques for value stream mapping and process flow analysis to identify bottlenecks. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss tools for implementing Lean practices effectively, including 5S and Kaizen.
13:06–14:00Explore real-world examples of Lean transformations and their measurable benefits.

Day 3Six Sigma Methodology

Applied activity: Participants will develop a Six Sigma project plan for a fictional quality issue, applying the DMAIC framework to outline their approach. They will define metrics for success and expected outcomes for quality improvement, collaborating with peers to refine their plans.

Output: A detailed Six Sigma project plan addressing the identified quality issue.

09:00–09:54Understand the Six Sigma framework and its importance in quality management and operational excellence.
09:54–10:48Learn the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) process and its application in projects.
10:48–11:00Explore statistical tools used in Six Sigma projects, including control charts and process capability analysis.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore statistical tools used in Six Sigma projects, including control charts and process capability analysis. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the role of data in driving improvement decisions and measuring success.
13:06–14:00Examine case studies of Six Sigma success stories and their impact on organisational performance.

Day 4Engaging Teams in Continuous Improvement

Applied activity: Participants will design a team engagement plan for a continuous improvement initiative, including communication strategies, KPIs, and methods for sustaining engagement. They will role-play potential scenarios to practice addressing resistance to change and ensuring team buy-in.

Output: A comprehensive team engagement plan ready for implementation.

09:00–09:54Discuss strategies for fostering a culture of continuous improvement within teams and across the organisation.
09:54–10:48Explore techniques for effective communication and stakeholder engagement in improvement initiatives.
10:48–11:00Learn how to facilitate improvement workshops and brainstorming sessions to generate ideas.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Learn how to facilitate improvement workshops and brainstorming sessions to generate ideas. (continued)
12:12–13:06Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring improvement success and team engagement.
13:06–14:00Discuss the role of recognition and rewards in sustaining engagement and motivation for continuous improvement.

Day 5Integrated Application of Operational Excellence

Applied activity: In teams, participants will develop a comprehensive operational excellence strategy for a fictional organisation, integrating Lean and Six Sigma principles while considering change management and stakeholder engagement. They will present their strategy to the class for critique and discussion.

Output: A strategic operational excellence proposal that outlines the approach, tools, and expected outcomes.

09:00–09:54Review key concepts from Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and their integration into a cohesive strategy.
09:54–10:48Discuss change management principles in implementing improvements and overcoming resistance.
10:48–11:00Explore how to measure and report on the success of improvement initiatives effectively.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore how to measure and report on the success of improvement initiatives effectively. (continued)
12:12–13:06Learn to align operational excellence strategies with organisational goals and objectives.
13:06–14:00Discuss future trends in operational excellence and continuous improvement methodologies.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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