Change Management Process

Our previous group discussion involved the topic of change management. Change management is an organized approach to dealing with change, from the viewpoint of an organization and the individual level. (SearchSMB, 2007) There are several approaches to change management that are available to managers within an organization. Total Quality Management (TQM), Six Sigma, and Business process reengineering. I have researched the three types of change management models

Total Quality Management

TQM is a set of management exercises used throughout the organization. The exercises focuses on ensuring the consistency of the organization and ensuring the customer requirements are met with a high level of quality. (J. Starks, 1998) The TQM process is viewed as an attitude adjustment centered by quality that is shared within an organization. The Total Quality Management process places a lot of emphasis on the process measurement and controls as means of constant improvement. Every stage of the process is validated to ensure no defects and total customer satisfaction. The TQM process does not provide a guarantee of the organizations success but does provide a blueprint for organizations to attempt to achieve success. (Tutor2u, 2007)

The advantages to the TQM process:

Credibility

Thorough validation is provided to ensure zero defects

Employee morale is increased due to the level of responsibility, teamwork and involvement in the process

Process eliminates unnecessary waste by producing fewer defects making the process cost effective

The disadvantages to the TQM process:

The initial cost of training and interruption in production

Return is not immediately visible

Fear of job security may cause resistance

(Tutor2u, 2007)

Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a sequence of systems that focus on implementing a strategy to improve quality supported by analyzed data and statistics to improve operational performance. Six Sigma has been seen as a solution for major corporations but it also has the ability to improve the performance of small operations. The process basics are focused on defining the process, measurement of the current process analysis of the relationships, improvement of the process and controlling the process. The methodology of Six Sigma offers solutions for an organization of any size.

The advantages of the Six Sigma process for smaller business such as CF&F are:

Fewer management layers, process flow flexibility, availability to the top of the decision making chain provide implementation time flexibility for small organizations

Training time may be shorter

Profits and organization change is fast

Shorter time period between implementation and result visibility

Trained employees are qualified to be trainers of the process

Six Sigma provides a lot of opportunity for small businesses but there are also cost disadvantages associated with this change process.

The disadvantages are:

Training and implementation can be costly and a heavy burden on the petite budget of a smaller business

Black belt personnel is very expensive

(Six Sigma for Small Business, 2007)

Business Process Reengineering

Business Process Reengineering (BRP) is the practice of redesigning the functional processes within an organization. This process is designed to eliminate waste and improve efficiency. There are 5 principles to streamlining the process of an organization to improve quality, time management and cost. The five principles involve developing the business objectives, identifying the problem area, understanding the current process, identify the Information Technology roles and design and implement the new process. (12manage, 2007).

The advantages of Business Process Reengineering:

Cost effective

Streamline processes

The disadvantages of the Business Process Reengineering:

Fear of job stability may cause worker resistance

May rebuild process that do not require rebuilding

Lack of process improvement solutions

(12Manage, 2007)

Six Sigma change method process seems to be more appropriate for most organizations. Though the process is expensive at the beginning, profits are earned faster than with TQM and BPR. Six Sigma offers implementation changes that can assist a company throughout its growth process. The versatility of the process from the application in a small company to a large company may benefit your company in the future.

References:

SearchSMB.com Definitions, Change Managemen0074 Retrieved 22 Aug 2007 from http://searchsmb.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid44_gci799426,00.html

John Starks, (1998). A FEW WORDS ABOUT, TQM Retrieved 22 Aug 2007 from http://www.johnstark.com/fwtqm.html

Tutor2u, (2007) Ways to Manage Quality. Retrieved on 22 Aug 2007 from http://www.tutor2u.net/business/gcse/production_quality_management.htm

Six Sigma for Small Businesses, (2007) Retrieved on 26 Aug 2007 from http://www.48resources.info/reference/six-sigma.htm

SearchCIO.com (2007) Business Process Reengineering Retrieved on 22 Aug 2007 from http://searchcio.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid19_gci536451,00.html

12 Manage, (2007) Business Process Reengineering (BPR) Retrieved on 26 Aug 2007 from http://www.12manage.com/methods_bpr.html