Process Improvement

Process Improvement (TECH-610)

Description

This digitally delivered RPI ProCourse is designed to elevate your problem-solving skills and empower you to lead and sustain continuous improvement initiatives within your organization. You will learn how to avoid common pitfalls at the start of a project, gain a clear understanding of how to identify problems and objectives, and define the processes you will study. By the end of the course, you will have developed a comprehensive analysis and action plan template, ready for successful implementation post-course. Completing this non-credit course will earn you a digital credential and a Certificate of Completion from RPI.

Project Overview

In this course, you will embark on a process improvement project tailored to your organization’s strategic needs. The journey begins with crafting a problem statement and Project Charter to clearly outline your objectives, SMART goals, and anticipated outcomes. Next, you will map and analyze the current state of your processes using tools such as SIPOC diagrams and Root Cause Analysis to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

You will then validate your findings with a small-scale data collection project and an impact/effort analysis, refining your approach based on the information you gather. You will conclude the course with an Action Plan outlining the steps necessary to implement your process improvements effectively within your organization. This plan will guide you through the execution of your project post-course, ensuring that your improvements lead to sustainable and impactful results.

Technology & Logistics

You will complete all coursework through Rensselaer’s digital classroom environment, with feedback provided by your course mentor along the way. The coursework will primarily be self-paced, with a synchronous kickoff Zoom session during the first week of the course that will provide an opportunity to engage with the content and course mentor(s) in a live setting.

Audience

This course is designed for adult learners seeking to improve a business process within their workplace. No prior education is required, though learners ideally would come into the course with consideration for the following questions:

• What specific process or problem are we addressing?
• Who should be involved in solving the problem, and who will be impacted?
• Who are the primary customers of this process and what are their requirements?
• How does this problem impact business or strategic goals? Why is it a priority?

Payment

Payment is accepted via credit card only. Refunds (minus processing fees) may be issued up to the course’s official start date. After the course has begun, refunds are no longer available. 

If you have any questions about the course prior to enrolling, please contact procourses@rpi.edu. 

Learning Goals

Course completion enables you to:

• Enhance your ability to tackle complex issues and lead your team effectively.
• Define clear, actionable goals for process improvement using the SMART criteria.
• Map and analyze current workflows and decision points.
• Identify and eliminate inefficiencies to streamline processes.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance processes and secure their support.
• Develop standardized processes to ensure consistent and predictable results.
• Create and present actionable recommendations for performance and efficiency improvements.