Students Staff

Continuous Improvement tools and templates

We have created a range of templates, tools and guides that can be used as resources for change and continuous improvement (CI).

For more information about Lean and continuous improvement at Essex please explore our webpages, which include more information on current CI activity and training, or contact change@essex.ac.uk.

All of the documents in the library below are restricted to Essex users only.

CI tools

  • January 2017

    BOSCARD user guide

    Adobe PDF File
    (193KB)

    This user guide provides a brief introduction to BOSCARDS. The BOSCARD is a planning tool that can be used to provide terms of reference for new projects.

  • January 2017

    BOSCARD template

    Word Document
    (16K)

    This BOSCARD template can be used during the scoping phase of a project to gather important information from stakeholders.

  • January 2019

    Brainstorming user guide

    PDF
    (95K)

    The Brainstorm cloud can be used to easily gather information from a range of team members or stakeholders on a variety of topics.

  • August 2017

    SIPOC user guide

    PDF
    (95K)

    The SIPOC can be used to develop a high-level view of a process and to determine areas that require improvement. It includes the questions that you could ask in order to complete the SIPOC.

  • August 2017

    SIPOC template

    Word Document
    (17K)

    The SIPOC template can be used to define a high-level view of a process, the inputs and outputs and who might be involved in the process.

  • October 2017

    RACI user guide

    Adobe PDF File
    (90KB)

    This user guide provides a brief introduction to the RACI, Responsibility Matrix, which can be used to help clarify roles and responsibilities for specific tasks within a team

  • October 2017

    RACI template

    Word Document
    (24K)

    This RACI template can be used to clarify roles and responsibilities within a team.

  • October 2017

    Skills Matrix user guide

    PDF
    (24K)

    The Skills Matrix can be used to clarify skills and experience within a team. It can also be used by teams to record personal development.

  • October 2017

    Skills Matrix template

    Word Document
    (24K)

    This Skills Matrix template can be used to clarify skills and experience within a team.

  • January 2017

    Root Cause Analysis (5 whys) user guide

    Adobe PDF File
    (55KB)

    This user guide will help you to explore the underlying cause of problems, in order to implement the correct solution.

  • August 2017

    Spaghetti Map

    PDF
    (118K)

    The Spaghetti Map can be used to help define the journey of a document or customer, in particular it can show how many touch points there are in a process and where the service moves back and forwards between particular areas.

  • August 2017

    After Action Review

    Word document
    (22K)

    An After Action Review can be used to gather feedback after an event or process has taken place. This helps to establish lessons learned and expectations.

Review documents

  • October 2017

    Scoping document

    Word document
    (54KB)

    This document should be filled in before any review in order to clarify the requirements, objectives and scope, and identify who should take part. The BOSCARD is a useful tool to help gather this detail.

  • October 2017

    Review attendee guide

    Word document
    (54KB)

    This document should be filled in before any review to include the scope and objectives, and circulated to all attendees prior to the review.

Lean

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Lean is a methodology used to make improvements to processes and day to day work. Using Lean can help you to identify the work you do that adds value, and remove any wasteful activities.

Lean Network

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The Lean Network consists of staff who are involved in Lean activity within the University. The group meet regularly to share experience, best practice and support each other in Lean activity.

SUMS

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SUMS provide expert consultancy in all areas of University support and management. They can provide support on area reviews, legal compliancy and comparative analysis from other institutions.

Training

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We run a regular training programme covering topics such as Project Management, Lean, Benefits Management, Change Management and Process Mapping. All courses are advertised through HR organiser.