MARCH 2008 e-NEWSLETTER

APICS Florida West Coast Chapter Meeting
Professional Development Meeting
March 11, 2008
Tucson's Restaurant and Grille
13563 Icot Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33760

Speaker: Wende Huehn-Brown, Ph.D., CPIM
Topic: Continuous Improvement Culture

While these two words are used quite often, it seems that organizations struggle to actually practice continuous improvement. Not only internally, but these issues get worse across their supply chain! There are a variety of models, maybe an overwhelming array of choices, such as lean, six sigma, balance scorecard, ISO 9000, Malcolm Baldrige, etc. However, within each of these models, there are common features that support a culture for continuous improvement. How can you help your company create a culture needed to support continuous improvement?

In the 2005 World Class Manufacturing Report, 51% of the management respondents indicated that they were not currently implementing kaizen (continuous improvement) because they claimed they had already done it! Does this sound like your company? In today's competitive world, can an organization ever be so satisfied with improving something that they think they are done? No, continuous improvement is an ongoing and never-ending journey to strive for excellence in a global world that is constantly changing. Does your organization have the culture needed to support this competitive operating environment?

In this meeting, we will discuss the basic elements for creating this continuous improvement culture. Participants will be able to assess their organization for these characteristics and identify strengths and weaknesses evident in their culture. Participants will also "take home" various ideas on how companies can apply these elements to help improve their organization's potential for continuous improvement.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
MARCH 2008
Keith J. Chaisson
As March arrives, we begin to think about the coming of a new season....spring. And spring reminds us that new things are on the horizon. Board of Director elections will happen in May. April will begin the process where the ballot is formulated. If you know of anyone who is interested in joining the board, please let any board member know.

Also, April 24th will be the date for a full day workshop on Manufacturing Planning & Control Systems. Who should attend? Operations management professionals using an inventory control, MRP, MRP II, or ERP system wanting to ensure their business is running at optimum efficiency! Any business considering implementing a planning and control (MRP, MRP II, or ERP) system for supply chain management.

We are pleased to announce that the new APICS benefits are now accessible to members. In conjunction with Aberdeen Research and the American Management Association (AMA), APICS members have access to business and management training and research that will enhance their operations management knowledge. Start today!

Best Regards,
Keith J. Chaisson
President

Announcing....

View the Education Bulletin

New members

David Keller
Chris Cunningham

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