Continuous Improvement is a process of incrementally improving work by enhancing processes or services that generate the most value, and by reducing or eliminating as many waste activities as possible.
There are a variety of tools and methodologies we use, but primarily Continuous Improvement efforts are ongoing, and aim to make positive, effective, and impactful change at an organization.
Why are we doing it?
The VPFO has developed a new Strategic Plan (that aligns with the wider UBC Strategic Plan) to guide and shape the work that we do in service of the university’s academic mission and vision. The plan brings with it the need for action and change, and enhancing what we do to be more effective.
Using a framework of Continuous Improvement can help us realize our vision for the future of the portfolio. This framework, using established tools and techniques, provides a consistent approach to identifying value-add activities and finding areas to improve or remove waste, resolve issues, measure progress, and sustain changes.
How are we doing it?
As we embark on this initiative we are developing the right approach, framework, and set of tools for UBC. The model will begin in the VPFO before being rolled out to other faculties and administrative units. One of the first tasks is defining how we measure success, by creating metrics that will roll up into key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs will measure our progress as we move forward with the VPFO Strategic Plan.