Change management on improvement project for success

Abstract

A success of an improvement project on solving a problem in an organization is not only depending an appropriate methodology on problem solving with Lean, TOC or 6 sigma with relevant tools, but also it is very important to have an appropriate methodology and process on change management integrated with project management during the improvement project. This paper describes the principle of change management based on existing literature, and illustrates a case study on how an improvement project apply theory and methodology of change management to make successful change. Firstly, the literature review relevant to concerns for support change in a business environment is introduced. General tools, models, and solutions to make a change effectively in an organization are explained. Next one framework with relevant tools and models are selected to the case study that conducts a manufacturing with ETO (Engineering-to-order) product. Next regarding the readiness for change, and the implementation of the change the paper introduces how the selected framework and the tools and models on change management is integrated with project management during different phases of the improvement project. As a result, it shows a success both from improvement project and change management perspective. In particular, achievement in the change management is not only showing the successful improvement project, but also the organization realizes another great positive change - people's improved behavior on daily work. Hence a long-term benefit from the improvement project and change management is gained. The achievement shows that similar approach on change management in an organization may be applied to more organizations.