A systems thinking approach for organisational excellence within the Australian Defence Organisations (ADO) using lean six sigma methodology
Scope A Systems Thinking Approach is an alignment and integration of multiple business processes to achieve organisational excellence. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a fact based methodology consisting of technical statistical tools that provide rational solutions to business problems. 'Lean' focuses on the wastages within any process whereas 'Six Sigma' focusses on the variations in the results from those processes. The coupling of these internationally recognised methodologies has effectively been proven in commercial businesses, other armies and industries across the globe. The essence of LSS is to build a faster, better, simpler and more productive processes through simplification, streamlining and optimisation of process elements. Its goal is to achieve excellence and organisational skills which in turn will improve organisational profitability (cost effectiveness) and productivity through waste elimination. A Systems Thinking using LSS is the foundation upon which organisational 'best in class' performance and a culture striving for continuous improvement and innovation can be established. The end state of this approach is to improve systems, processes, organisational performance and change people's mindset; subsequently enhancing the ADO's Capability. This paper explores the underlying thread of logic and conditioning requirements for organisational excellence using LSS Methodology for all organisations but with particular reference to the ADO experience.