Friday, November 30, 2012

MITPM 8: Process Transformation - How To Build a 'Lean Sigma' Culture

Mastering Information Technology Project Management (MITPM) Conference #8: Innovative Transformations. Topic: "Process Transformation: How To Build a 'Lean Sigma' Culture" by Dr. Satnam Singh

Date: 15 October 2012
Venue: Grand Dorsett, Subang Jaya, Malaysia



Speaker's Profile: Dr. Satnam Singh

Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Managing Director, MBizM Sdn Bhd

Dr. Satnam Singh graduated from Liverpool John Moores University (UK) with a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then furthered his studies at Coventry University in UK and was awarded with a Masters Degree of Science in Engineering and Manufacturing Management. Dr. Satnam then continued to study for his doctorate and was awarded with a PhD in Engineering and Manufacturing Management. He has published several journal and conference papers in particularly the International Journal of Production Research (IJPR).

Dr. Satnam has been actively involved in the field of Continual Improvement activities since the beginning of his tertiary education. While accomplishing his Master Degree in the United Kingdom, he had been extensively trained for Lean Systems and Six Sigma whilst working as a Project Manager for a Multi National Corporation (MNC) in the UK for 14 years. During his stay with the MNC in the UK, Dr. Satnam was tasked with the responsibility of promoting and implementing Lean and Six-Sigma within the Organization and throughout Europe. Due to his extensive exposure in Lean and Six-Sigma Management Systems, he was invited by the company's European Subsidiaries to conduct in-house training, project consultations and strategic planning in the area of Lean Six-Sigma implementation.

In Malaysia, Dr. Satnam has implemented Lean Six Sigma in a well known Government Linked Company (GLK) with the major achievement that yielded RM40 million saving within one year of Lean Sigma implementation. He is currently the Managing Director of MBizM Sdn Bhd in which his company is implementing Lean Sigma Transformation projects for the various government agencies, MNCs and SMEs. MBizM is also currently involved in Lean Sigma projects in Singapore, India, Pakistan, Indonesia and the United Kingdom.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

MITPM 8: Innovative Transformations (Panel Discussion)

Mastering Information Technology Project Management (MITPM) Conference #8: Innovative Transformations (Panel Discussion)

Date: 15 October 2012
Venue: Grand Dorsett, Subang Jaya, Malaysia

PANELISTS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT;
  1. Vernon Stinebaker. Member of Scrum Alliance Advisory Councils. Co-founder of Feature Driven Development Tools Application. Director of Technology, NASDAQ listed Perficient Global Development Center.. Certified Scrum Trainer (CST)
  2. Harun Hj Johari. Group MD of Malaysian Agrifood Corporation Bhd. Former CEO of Port of Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd. Shell International Petroleum Advisor -- HSSE.
  3. Dr. Oh Ei Sun. Senior Visiting Fellow - S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Nanyang Technological University Singapore. Former Political Secretary to the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
  4. Shaifubahrim Saleh. President of PIKOM, The National ICT Association of Malaysia.
  5. Eric Tachibana. Entrepreneur, Managing Director of eXtropia Holdings. Author of 7 books on technology development and innovation management. Adjunct Associate Professor at National University of Singapore.



QUESTIONS:

Q1. Can the strategy change during the transformation period?
A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=02m30s

Q2. What if the transformation does not bring in the expected result as initially planned, will transformation re-occurs again and is this an iterative process?
A2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=02m30s

Q3. When I think about Agile, the approach is amazingly good for incremental or radical change, however when disruption occurs it may not work as well because it does not see far enough because you're only in the next sprint?
A3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=09m35s

Q4. Is there a way to make the transition as painless as possible? And to make the 'Neutral' zone as short as possible to the transition will be smooth?
A4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=14m25s

Q5. How do you get your management team to believe and be in line with your transformation plan? Because sometimes believing is not sufficient as the management needs to direct the working level.
A5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=20m10s

Q6. Many companies are Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and are family businesses operating over generations. Nowadays the new generation is taking over but the older generation may be resistant towards new ideas and tools. Is this situation only in Asia culture and how can this be manage properly?
A6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=27m00s

Q7. For certain professions, when an unidentified risk occurs, they may be sued for negligent. What is your view on that?
A7. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=38m15s

Q8. How do we drive the transformation plan with fellow peers of the same level, but the fellow peers may not report to the manager that is driving that transformation?
A8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=40m15s

Q9. What is the difference between transformation plan and corrective action plan?
A9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpkMfWxNly4#t=45m00s

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

ACM: Facilitating Discussion

Cover of the "Facilitating Discussion" advanced manual
Facilitating Discussion. Group discussions are common, and this manual provides instruction in facilitating the most common types of discussions. Learn about moderating a panel discussion, facilitating a brainstorming meeting, leading a problem-solving discussion, handling challenging people during discussions, and helping a problem-solving group achieve a consensus. 


Project #1: The Panel Moderator
Executive Summary:
A panel discussion is an excellent method for presenting different perspectives of an issue, event, or decision. Much like the Toastmaster at a club meeting, the panel moderator facilitates the discussion, introduce the panelists, moderates the question-and-answer session after the presentations, and keeps the discussion focused and on track.

Objectives:
  • Select a topic for a panel discussion.
  • Identify differing viewpoints to be addressed by panelists
  • Organize and moderate a panel discussion.
  • Recommended TIME: 28 - 30 minutes. Optional TIME: 22 - 26 minutes.
Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this project was for the moderator to select a topic for a panel discussion, select panelists, and moderate the discussion. Each panelist covers a different aspect or viewpoint of the subject so no material overlaps. After all panelists have spoken the moderate facilitates a question-and-answer session. In addition to your verbal evaluation, please write answers to the questions below.


Project #2: The Brainstorming Session
Executive Summary:
Brainstorming is a useful tool for solving problems. The group is asked to quickly generate a list of possible solutions or ideas without considering merit or practicality. The facilitator oversees the process and strives to generate maximum involvement and participation. from the group. Once a list is generated, the facilitator may ask the group to discuss the ideas and reduce it until the best few remain.

Objectives:
  • Select a problem for a brainstorming session for which you serve as facilitator.
  • Conduct a brainstorming session.
  • Have participants reduce the list of ideas to the three best.
  • Recommended TIME: 31 - 33 minutes. Optional TIME: 20 - 22 minutes.
Note to the Evaluator:
For this project, the speaker serves as a facilitator for a brainstorming session. The session's purpose is to find one or more solutions to a problem. The facilitator serves in a neutral capacity, encouraging participation and keeping the group focused. Once a list is generated, the facilitator helps the group identify the three best or most practical ideas. In addition to your verbal evaluation, please write answers to the questions below.


Project #3: The Problem-Solving Discussion
Executive Summary:
Bringing people together to discuss and resolve a problem is common. The facilitator leads the discussion, keeping it orderly and focused so the group can discuss the issues and reach a decision quickly and efficiently. Three ways to reach a final decision are majority vote, multivoting, and nominal group technique.

Objectives:
  • Discuss the three ideas generated in Project 2.
  • Determine which one best resolves the problem.
  • Recommended TIME: 26 - 31 minutes. Optional TIME: 19 - 23 minutes.
Note to the Evaluator:
This assignment requires the speaker to serve as a facilitator, leading the group in discussing possible solutions to a problem and selecting the best one by using one of three voting methods. The facilitator ensures each participant has the opportunity to contribute. The facilitator is neutral, functioning only to draw out and focus the group's thoughts. The facilitator should bring the group to a decision. In addition to your verbal evaluation, please write answers to the questions below.


Project #4: Handling Challenging Situations
Executive Summary:
Often some people involved in discussions display behaviors that disrupt the group's efforts. One of the facilitator's responsibilities is to minimize these disruptions by using recommended techniques. He or she should avoid embarrassing anyone or being overbearing.

Objectives:
  • Select a problem and ask club members to discuss and resolve it by either a majority vote or by compromise
  • Serve as facilitator for the discussion
  • Effectively handle any member's behavioral problems that may interfere with the discussion.
  • Recommended TIME: 22 - 32 minutes. Optional TIME: 12 - 21 minutes.
Note to the Evaluator:
This project involves a role-play, in which some members of the discussion group assume the roles of people who disrupt the discussion for which the speaker is serving as facilitator. The speaker is to select a problem that can be solved in the allotted time and ask club members to discuss and resolve it. Then use one of the two voting methods the speaker did not use in Project 3 to make a final decision. Should any group members disrupt the discussion or seem unwilling to participate, the speaker is to use some of the suggested methods to keep the discussion focused. In addition to your verbal evaluation, please write your answers to the questions below.


Project #5: Reaching a Consensus
Executive Summary:
Many consider consensus decision-making the best of all decision-making options because the results are often acceptable to every participant, although they may not be everyone's preference. The process to reach a consensus requires more time than other options and requires a facilitator who is good at listening, probing, clarifying, and managing disagreements.

Objectives:
  • To select a problem for the group to discuss and resolve.
  • As facilitator, help the group reach a consensus
  • Recommended TIME: 31 - 37 minutes. Optional TIME: 20 - 26 minutes.
Note to the Evaluator:
This assignment requires the speaker to serve as a facilitator, selecting a problem for the club to discuss and resolve by consensus. The facilitator ensures each participant has the opportunity to contribute and that the final decision is agreed upon the group. The facilitator is neutral, functioning only to draw out and focus the group's thoughts. The facilitator should bring the group to consensus within the allotted time. In addition to your verbal evaluation, please write answers to the questions below.

For more information:
Item 226D

ACM: Communicating On Video

Cover of the "Communicating On Video" advanced manual
Communicating on Video. Video presentations require special preparation and attention to details. Learn how to present an editorial, appear as a guest on an interview program, be the host of an interview program, conduct a press conference and use video to train.


Project #1: Straight Talk
Executive Summary:
An editorial is an opportunity to influence public opinion and action on an issue. It doesn't just draw attention to an issue, it makes a point about that issue. Because it is a brief, you much choose words and information carefully. Make sure your editorial clearly states your position, contains evidence to support that position and is logically developed.

Objectives:
  • To effectively present an opinion or viewpoint in a short time.
  • To simulate giving a presentation as part of a television broadcast.
  • TIME: 3 minutes, plus or minus 30 seconds.
Note to the Evaluator:
For this project, the speaker was asked to prepare and present an editorial designed for an on-camera presentation. The editorial should clearly present the news event or current issue that it addresses, and present a reaction or stand to the event or issue. Although the presentation may be recorded on video, your evaluation will be based on the live presentation. However, it is suggested you review the video later with the speaker and discuss how effective the presentation would have been had it actually been broadcast. It is suggested you read the entire project and the appendix before you hear the presentation.


Project #2: The Interview Show
Executive Summary:
Talk shows, podcasts, and live streaming video are common today, and more people are needed as guests. If you're invited to appear on a show, prepare carefully. Know the interviewer's purpose, the reason for your appearance, the interview's length, the interviewer's identity and who your audience will be. Anticipate questions and prepare responses. During the interview, be enthusiastic, stay calm, listen carefully and be yourself.

Objectives:
  • To understand the dynamics of an interview or “talk” show.
  • To prepare for the questions that may be asked of you during an interview program.
  • To present a positive image on camera.
  • To appear as a guest on a simulated video talk show.
  • TIME: 5 to 7 minutes.
Note to the Evaluator:
The speaker was asked to appear as a guest on a simulated talk show, with another club member serving as the talk show host or interviewer, and the rest of the club acting as the studio audience. The speaker was to answer questions asked by the interviewer. Questions were to be based on the expertise of the speaker in a predetermined subject. Although the presentation may be videorecorded, your evaluation will be based on the live presentation. However, it is suggested that you review the video later with the speaker and discuss how effective the presentation would have been had it actually been broadcast. It is suggested you read the entire project and the appendix before you hear the presentation. Remember, you will be evaluating only the guest, not the host.


Project #3: When You're The Host
Executive Summary:
A talk show host must be knowledgeable about each guest, be able to phrase questions well, be able to handle different personalities, and make guests feel relaxed and comfortable. Carefully prepare for an interview, finding out as much as possible about the guest and the topics to be discussed. Consider your audience's knowledge of the guest and subject and phrase questions accordingly.

Objectives:
  • To conduct a successful interview.
  • To understand the dynamics of a successful interview or talk show.
  • To prepare questions to ask during the interview program.
  • To present a positive, confident image on the television camera
  • TIME: 5 - 7 minutes.
Note to the Evaluator:
The speaker was asked to appear as a host on a simulated talk show, with another member serving as the guest. The speaker was to conduct an interview, asking questions of the guest and maintaining a smooth flow of conversation. Questions were to be based on the expertise of the speaker on a predetermined subject. Although the presentation may be videorecorded, your evaluation will be based on the live presentation. However, it is suggested that you review the video later with the speaker and discuss how effective the presentation would have been had it actually been broadcast. It is suggested you read the entire project and the Appendix before you hear the presentation. Remember, you will be evaluating only the host, not the guest.


Project #4: The Press Conference
Executive Summary:
Business and government officials sometimes are asked to be spokespersons for their organization, commenting on various issues. During a press conference you give a prepared speech on the issue, then field questions from journalists. Make sure you are familiar will all the available information about the issue. Answer all questions in a positive manner, speak in sound bites, remain calm, and conclude the conference with a positive statement.

Objectives:
  • To understand the nature of a video broadcast press conference.
  • To prepare for an adversary confrontation on a controversial or sensitive issue.
  • To employ appropriate preparation methods and strategies for communicating your organization’s viewpoint.
  • To present and maintain a positive image on television.
  • TIME: 3 to 5 minutes for presentation, 2 to 3 minutes for question period.
Note to the Evaluator:
The purpose of this talk is to make a presentation on a controversial issue or situation concerning the speaker’s company or other organization he or she represents. The speaker then will conduct a question-and-answer period. Throughout the speech and question period, the speaker is to build and maintain a positive image for himself or herself and the company or organization. Although the presentation may be videorecorded, your evaluation will be based on the live presentation. However, it is suggested that you review the video later with the speaker and discuss how effective the presentation would have been had it actually been broadcast. Please read the entire project and the Appendix before you hear the presentation.


Project #5: Instructing On The Internet
Executive Summary:
The Web is a useful training medium because you can use it to visually demonstrate the skills being taught. As you prepare a training program, determine your objectives, then your audience's knowledge of the subject and compare it to what you want them to know. Then plan your training program accordingly. Select the best strategy to provide this information, then create a script.

Objectives:
  • To learn how to develop and present an effective training program on the Web.
  • To receive personal feedback through the videotaping of your presentation.
  • TIME: 5 to 7 minutes for the presentation, plus 5 to 7 minutes for playback of the videotape.
Note to the Evaluator:
In this project, the speaker is to present a training program on how to prepare and present a speech. The presentation will be recorded on video and played back during the meeting. You and a panel of three other evaluators, under the direction of the general evaluator will evaluate only the video playback of the presentation. You will evaluate the effectiveness of the training program and the speaker’s performance on video. Please read the entire project and the Appendix before you view the presentation.

For more information:
Item 226J