Operational excellence

Operational Excellence is an element of organizational leadership that stresses the application of a variety of principles, systems, and tools toward the sustainable improvement of key performance metrics.

Much of this management philosophy is based on earlier continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean Thinking, Six Sigma, and Scientific Management. The focus of Operational Excellence goes beyond the traditional event-based model of improvement toward a long-term change in organizational culture.

Core principles

The Shingo Prize, an organization that recognizes success in the discipline, has identified ten key principles its award winners display:^[1]

1. Respect every individual
2. Lead with humility
3. Seek perfection
4. Assure quality at the source
5. Flow and pull value
6. Embrace scientific thinking
7. Focus on process
8. Think systemically
9. Create constancy of purpose
10. Create value for the customer

See also

• Lean manufacturing
• Lean services
• Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• The Toyota Way
• Toyota Production System

References

External links

• The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence