TOPIC: “Rightsizing your Process: How to Balance Affordability and Project Success”
SPEAKER: Rick Hefner, PhD – Caltech Center for Technology and Management Education
For additional information on the May meeting, and to RSVP, please go to the INCOSE-LA website: http://www.incose-la.org/events/speaker-meetings/speaker-series/516-20130514rightsizing-your-process.html Abstract and presenter information are also provided below. Please RSVP by Friday, May 10.
The June Tutorial will expand upon the topics discussed in the INCOSE-LA May 14 Speaker Meeting presentation, with practical applications and extensions. For additional information on the expanded June tutorial, please go to the INCOSE-LA website: http://www.incose-la.org/events/tutorials/tutorial-chronicles/517-20130601rightsizing-your-process.html. Please RSVP by Friday, May 17 for reduced reservation fees.
Abstract: Managing a product development effort is a huge challenge. One of the enablers for project success is robust systems engineering and project management processes, using proven industry best practices. Unfortunately, in these tough economic times, we are consistent asked to “lean” our processes, to make them more affordable. Are there meaningful ways to achieve both objectives?
This presentation will summarize tools and tips for rightsizing your process through tailoring. The talk will summarize the main principles behind process, and will present effective approaches for reducing the bureaucracy, while retaining the discipline elements which assure consistent performance. Consideration will be given to maintaining certification with leading quality standards while reducing cost and schedule.
About the Speaker: Rick Hefner, PhD, specializes in systems development and maintenance; project management; Lean Six Sigma; process improvement, technology transfer; and risk management. His experience spans over 35 years. Dr. Hefner recently served as director of process management at Northrop Grumman Corporation, where he managed corporate process initiatives related to Lean Six Sigma and program management. Dr. Hefner has also worked with companies in the communications, electronics, and health sciences industries, including Applied Physics Laboratory, Ares Management, Boeing, DRS Technologies, Herbalife, Honeywell, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, John Deere, L-3 WESCAM, Maytag, Motorola, Pacific Bell, Raytheon, Schlumberger, Southern California Edison, St. Jude Medical, Toshiba, U.S. Navy, and Xerox.
Dr. Hefner is credited with over 200 publications and presentations. He earned his PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles, in applied dynamic systems control. He received his MS and BS from Purdue University in interdisciplinary engineering.