Systematic process improvement using ISO 9001:2000 and CMMI

16 Process Improvement
life-cycle model, such as the Software Productivity Consortium’s evolutionary
spiral process approach [2]. A common characteristic of most process
improvement approaches is that they outline a series of steps that guide
systematic implementation of improvements, measurement of success, and
iterative adjustment of plans and activities.
The following sections describe the salient features of some of these
approaches, concentrating on those aspects of process improvement that can
be generalized. Implementation, described in later chapters, must take into
consideration specific factors such as the organization’s structure, current
process maturity and capability, improvement goals, and available resources.
2.3.1 Plan–Do–Check–Act
The Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle is the problem-solving process developed
by Walter Shewhart. It was also called the Shewhart cycle by W.
Edwards Deming and the Deming cycle by others. Through the years, several
authors, such as Deming, Juran, and Ishikawa, promoted it and added tools
to help analyze information collected during PDCA execution and further
fine-tune the PDCA approach.
PDCA is the basis of most process improvement approaches. Dr. Shewhart
realized that a systematic approach is needed to successfully solve problems.
First, one has to plan the process improvement approach, then perform
planned work, check whether the improvements are working, and then act
to modify the process based on the lessons learned. These steps are repeated
until desired results are achieved.
PDCA is part of the overall total quality management (TQM) process. It is
driven by quality planning processes to identify important areas. The process
is domain independent and scalable. It applies to small issues and major
initiatives in all functional areas. The four major steps are as follows:
1. Plan
Identify the problem:
• Select problems to be analyzed and establish a precise problem
statement.
• Set measurable goals for the problem solving effort.
• Establish a process for coordinating with and gaining approval of
leadership.
Analyze the problem:
• Identify the processes that impact the problem and select one.
• List the steps in the process as it currently exists.