Writing a Project Problem and Goal Statement
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mgt4399_mod3_journal_rubric.pdf
MGT 4399: Quality Management
Module 3 Journal: Writing a Project Problem and Goal Statement
Guidelines and Rubric
In this journal, you will continue to build your understanding of the DMAIC methodology of quality management by applying the skills and knowledge you have learned in this module to the process you have been exploring throughout the previous modules’ journals. Before attempting a process improvement effort, one must identify the process problem since it provides the requisite foundation for the ensuing process improvement phase. And if the right problem is not identified, then all the processes that follow are rendered moot. Therefore, this is a critical component of the Define phase in the DMAIC methodology. In this journal assignment, you will practice identifying process problems and writing a problem statement that succinctly states an existing process problem. For this journal assignment, be sure to address the following:
● Process: Briefly introduce the process you analyzed in the Module 1 and Module 2 journals
● Problem Statement: Write a succinct problem statement that addresses the “when,” “what,” “magnitude,” and “consequence.” For example, let’s say you work in an accounts receivable department that is experiencing a host of customer payment issues. A specific problem statement may read as follows: “In the last 6 months (when), 28% of our customers’ payments are delinquent by over 60 days in paying on their account (what). This represents 40% (magnitude) of our outstanding receivables and it is adversely affecting the operating cash flow (consequence).”
● SMART Goal Statement: Write a terse goal statement that is SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound). To continue with the process issues in an accounts receivable department that is experiencing a host of customer payment issues, a specific problem goal statement may read as follows: “To reduce the percentage of delinquent payments to 5% in the next 6 months, and yield a tangible savings of $250,000 a year.”
Guidelines for Submission: Your journal should be 1 to 2 paragraphs in length
Instructor Feedback: This activity uses an integrated rubric in Blackboard. Students can view instructor feedback in the Grade Center.
MGT 4399: Quality Management
Rubric Criteria Exemplary (100%) Needs Improvement (75%) Not Evident (0%) Value
Process
Briefly identifies a process. N/A
Does not identify a process. 5
Problem Statement
Problem statement is succinct and addresses the “when,” “what,” “magnitude,” and “consequence.”
Problem statement may address some but not all of the following: the “when,” “what,” “magnitude,” and “consequence,” or may contain all of these elements but be unclear or wordy.
Problem statement is succinct and addresses the “when,” “what,” “magnitude,” and “consequence.”
45
SMART Goal Statement
Goal statement is terse, specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound.
Goal statement may be some but not all of the following: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound; or may have all of these characteristics but be unclear or wordy.
Goal statement is terse, specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound.
45
Mechanics No grammar or spelling errors that distract the reader from the content. All sources used are cited using APA Style, 6th ed.
Minor errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. All sources used are cited using APA Style, 6th ed.
Major errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content and/or errors made in citing sources using APA Style, 6th ed.
5
Total 100%
