The scientific method is the basis of our modern world. The three steps of the method are to establish a hypothesis, perform an experiment, and evaluate the results. The method does not guarantee a successful outcome on the first try, but has the advantage of self-correction. As a result, over time, it will (through repeated application and follow-on action) converge on a solution, if a solution can be found.

However, if core disciplines are not used throughout this experimentation (for example, by not keeping good records, or controlling the variables of your experiments), this ultimate success is not assured. Additionally, if experimental evidence is not peer reviewed, history has shown that the results claimed may not be reliable! Read more »

A major element of Lean is standarded work instructions, which must be implemented as detailed procedures for doing routine and regular work, rather than broad guidance to take on more abstract definitions of statements of work, in order to be effective. The purpose of such standardized operations is to make work rules explicit, and through that means, to minimize and control variation in quality, cost, throughput, and/or work in process. This is intended to achieve additional benefits, such as reductions in defects, rework, and wasted materials. There are three elements that are critical to achieving these goals: Takt time (the heartbeat of the production system), standard flows, and Work In Process (WIP). Read more »

Sandra Kay Daniel is a middle-aged, second-grade teacher at the Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida. She is at the front line of the No Child Left Behind program, an ambitious effort towards educational reform in primary and secondary education.

Nearly all of you have probably seen an excerpt of Sandra in an evening news show, or a popular movie. The book Super Crunchers chronicles one of Sandy's lessons, as she leads her class through a particular book: Read more »

Spin is the process of selectively interpretting a situation in a biased way, in order to drive a particular agenda. When a particular data measurement value or trend is not well defined, in business or government, this can be particularly dangerous. This is because such spin drives decisions based upon one perception of the world, when in fact another reality may be actually occurring. For a particularly troubling example, consider this alternative view of the current economic situation. For another, consider the many financial institutions that maintained excellent credit ratings, despite large portfolios of Subprime lending.

The underlying elements which enable such spin are: Read more »