I've either been involved with or held a process-related role since 1994. It started in the government with TQM (Total Quality Management). Then before I left the government, I worked with ERWin and some process standard model -- I've forgotten its official name. We had pages and pages of flows that were not easy to follow.
In 1997, we worked with a fancy software application that was not user-friendly and spit out huge process maps. In 1998, I joined another company and the department had its own process for managing process additions, changes, and deletions. The organization got much bigger and then we dove into CMM.
I've written several articles on process.
I bring this up because Will pointed me to this, which led to my finding Katie's version of RUP:
Step 1: Write about running really fast.
Step 2: Go and draw a plan of the racetrack.
Step 3: Go and buy really tight lycra shorts.
Step 4: Run really, really, really fast.
Step 5: Cross line first.
Unfortunately, the outcome of RUP is that you end up with extremely well documented TERRIBLE designs.
This blog has the best quote:
"Process won't help you if you suck. It will just make you suck more repeatably."
I believe process is important and necessary. Documenting everything doesn't help because no one studies the document. We're too busy with our own little world. It's the new employees who benefit most.
Anyway, templates are useful to ensure you consistently document with every project and remember all the components. If you can make it better, do it! There's always a better way of doing something. That's why we have CPI: Continuous process improvement. The hard part is finding an effective way to do things and documenting it.
meryl k. evans is the Content Maven behind meryl k. evans, meryl k. evans. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..There is so much small business information available today that... Read More
Strategic planning and consulting is the strategy roadmap to manage... Read More
I. INTRODUCTIONThe term resilience, which is of frequent use in... Read More
If you are in the parking business and own or... Read More
Franchised companies often require what some believe to be excessive... Read More
Richard L. Daft one of the country's recognized academic leadership... Read More
Microsoft Great Plains, former Great Plains Dynamics is excellent fit... Read More
Twice a year, Bill Gates goes to a remote island... Read More
Many of us are discouraged by the networking events that... Read More
Succession planning requires the owner of a small or medium-sized... Read More
It is always said "If you Fail to Plan, you... Read More
David E. Gumpert, author of Burn Your Business Plan, often... Read More
If you are a successful franchise of a large franchise... Read More
If you've ever listened to Warren Buffett talk about investing,... Read More
"Did you hear what your competitor is doing?" This question... Read More
More than $117 billion passed hands from Internet shoppers to... Read More
A significant advantage of some business ideas is that the... Read More
In today's rapidly changing and highly competitive markets, many privately... Read More
Why cut costs now? Efforts are multiplying to cut costs... Read More
Much of what we heard in the mass media about... Read More
Regroup?is this a new management trend? Not a chance! Regroup... Read More
When in doubt, cut that out! Yeah, yea, doubting Thomas... Read More
I'm not talking about posting the HBO schedule on your... Read More
Writing a business plan can be tricky when all the... Read More
Fun From The StartFor those with the will to start... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..One of the key challenges for any business is to... Read More
There is so much small business information available today that... Read More
If you own a pressure washing business one of the... Read More
If ever there were an industry where we want zero... Read More
"Did you hear what your competitor is doing?" This question... Read More
A survey released by the American Institute of Certified Public... Read More
There is a story, about a business owner who wasn't... Read More
Note to Northwest Airlines ? It's not about fuel costsFor... Read More
Want to become more strategic? Add these traits to your... Read More
I've either been involved with or held a process-related role... Read More
Strategic planning is vital while starting a new business or... Read More
The decision to sell, or not to sell your business... Read More
One of the most important initiatives in the domain of... Read More
If you own a mobile franchise business and wish to... Read More
1. Largest Selection -One way that you can make your... Read More
Although North Americans were the dominant population on the Internet,... Read More
David E. Gumpert, author of Burn Your Business Plan, often... Read More
Microsoft Great Plains fits multiple services market niche and healthcare... Read More
Private equity firms have raised so much capital over the... Read More
The time when a website was just a simple set... Read More
1. Attempt Succession Planning Without Other Strategic Plans. Succession plans... Read More
Business plan financial projections seem daunting because they are so... Read More
Many movies have been made about the tragic story of... Read More
Why do so many companies languish and watch as their... Read More
Every new business owner knows that a business plan is... Read More
Strategic Planning |