What Is Process Improvement?
March 8, 2025
Article
Instructors: Kelley O'Connell
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Included with
(18 reviews)
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Basic knowledge of process management and familiarity with Lean principles or process improvement methodologies is advantageous.
(18 reviews)
Recommended experience
Beginner level
Basic knowledge of process management and familiarity with Lean principles or process improvement methodologies is advantageous.
Identify the purpose and benefits of using VSM in process improvement.
Use standard VSM symbols and notations to represent processes, material flows, and information flows.
Analyze a completed Value Stream Map to identify areas of waste and opportunities for improvement.
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Analyzing and effectively utilizing Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is crucial for businesses and professionals because it provides a clear methodology for identifying inefficiencies and improving operational workflows. This course offers a visual representation of all actions both value added and non-value-added—required to bring a product or service from initial stages to the end customer. By gaining comprehensive visibility into these processes, businesses can pinpoint exactly where delays, redundancies, and unnecessary steps occur. Participants who complete this course will develop skills in analysis and strategic thinking, leading to actionable insights that enhance process efficiencies and deliver better results within their organizations.
This course is designed for team leaders, supervisors, and managers responsible for individuals and teams, as well as professionals in business process, supply chain management, and logistics across various industries. It aims to support those who oversee process improvements and operational efficiency in their organizations. Participants should have a basic knowledge of process management. Team and process leaders are expected to have a solid grasp of process management tools and best practices to fully benefit from the course. By the end of this course, learners will be able to identify the purpose and benefits of using Value Stream Mapping (VSM) in process improvement. They will utilize standard VSM symbols and notations to represent processes, material flows, and information flows. Additionally, learners will analyze completed Value Stream Maps to identify areas of waste and highlight opportunities for improvement.
This course offers a visual representation of all actions—both value-added and non-value-added—required to bring a product or service from initial stages to the end customer. By gaining comprehensive visibility into these processes, businesses can pinpoint exactly where delays, redundancies, and unnecessary steps occur.
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We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
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We asked all learners to give feedback on our instructors based on the quality of their teaching style.
The Coursera Instructor Network is a select group of instructors who have demonstrated expertise in specific tools or skills through their industry experience or academic backgrounds in the topics of their courses.
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Reviewed on Jan 13, 2025
Very practical and user friendly course and well delivered
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