One sign that a theory or method actually works is that leaders are publicly prepared to talk about what has happened. In this video leaders from public and private sector organisations talk about the Vanguard Method, highlighting what they have learned. … [Read more...] about Leaders talking about the Vanguard Method
Archives for January 2019
Peter Checkland: The origins of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
Peter Checkland describes the origins of Soft Systems Methodology in a speech at Lancaster University in 2012. His book Systems Thinking; Systems Practice (1981) was important for a number of reasons, including the use of purpose in organisations as a way for exploring different perspectives of different people involved. … [Read more...] about Peter Checkland: The origins of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
Russell Ackoff: Systems-based improvement
Russell Ackoff filmed giving a lecture in 1995. Here Ackoff. reflects upon the effectiveness of efficiency programmes being run at that time. He put up a list on an over-head projector (OHP) including many activities that can be found in organisations today. Stafford Beer draws upon studies and surveys indicating that the majority led to an increase in costs. Systems-based … [Read more...] about Russell Ackoff: Systems-based improvement
John Seddon: Rethinking Lean Service
This is the audio version of an academic paper authored by John Seddon, Brendan O’Donovan and Keivan Zokaei (originally developed for a Warwick University course). It is not available anywhere else on the internet. The paper argues that the development of the ‘lean’ movement is synonymous with ‘process efficiency’ as opposed to services effectiveness. … [Read more...] about John Seddon: Rethinking Lean Service
Not met your targets … Start crawling
Video emerged on websites this week of Chinese workers being forced to crawl along the street. Their crime? According to a newspaper report ... not meeting their annual targets. Perhaps the managers should take notice of W. Edward Demings warning: 'People with targets and jobs dependent upon meeting them will probably meet the targets - even if they have … [Read more...] about Not met your targets … Start crawling