making-sense-of-change-management

The applications➡Initial scanning(description of existing system – inputs, outputs, work flow, organization, environment –compiled by consultant)Identification of unit operations(identification of the main stages of the production process)Identification of variances(identification of weak links in the systems where it becomes difficult to achieve required standard)Analysis of social system(handling of variances, relationship needed for optimum working of the system, extent of flexibilitybetween roles, pay relationships, staff psychological needs)How workers see their roles(do roles meet psychological needs?)The maintenance and supply systems(how do these processes affect production?)The corporate environment(how do development plans affect the future operation of the department?)Proposals for change(actions are suggested after discussion and feedback with all those involved. Proposals for changemust contribute both to the improvement of the production systems and to the social systems.Proposals normally involve some level of self-management by the production team)Figure 8.4 The socio-technical design processSource: Mumford and Beekman (1994)Socio-technical design is still alive and well in some companies, but hasbeen rather overtaken by the speed and promise of BPR. Although theincremental, developmental approach is seen to work well, it is often tooslow for many environments where big results are sought quickly,without taking people off the job to do the research and take action.Combination approach: PROGRESS methodologyThe PROGRESS methodology for process improvement is also offered byMumford and Beekman (1994), and brings together the principles ofsocio-technical design and the technology focus and efficiency emphasisof BPR (see Figure 8.5). Key to this method is the belief that the futureusers of a system must play a major role in its design. Cross-group designteams must be set up, sponsored by senior management and facilitated bya skilled facilitator to achieve their goals.It is useful to illustrate the PROGRESS approach using a case study.300