Do you want to increase productivity, lead in innovation, improve employee morale, and attract and retain talent? Who doesn’t? But how? For over a decade, I have used many management methodologies for business improvement, e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, Enterprise Process Management, Change Management, etc. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that no matter… Continue reading A Foundation for Success
Capabilities of Future Leaders
What capabilities are required for future leaders in life sciences? How can organizations develop such leaders? A recent McKinsey article, Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Life Sciences, addresses this exact question. Using data from their 2017 survey on leadership development in life sciences, the authors illustrated the gaps and opportunities and presented five critical skills. Adaptive… Continue reading Capabilities of Future Leaders
Seeking Knowledge in the Information Age
We live in an age of information. Technology not only accelerates the generation of information but lowers the barriers to access. When it comes to solving business problems, useful knowledge remains elusive. Every day one can find countless books, articles, conference presentations, webinars, and blogs showcasing success stories of business improvement using various methodologies. While… Continue reading Seeking Knowledge in the Information Age
Road to the Data-rich Future
There is hardly a day gone by without seeing an article about a business or organization using data analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence to solve tough problems or even disrupt the industry. With wide availability of computers and other digital devices, capturing and storing data becomes easier. This represents unprecedented opportunities to gain knowledge… Continue reading Road to the Data-rich Future
Starting Lean Six Sigma
Are you thinking about bringing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to your organization but concerned with their effectiveness? Starting with three questions will help increase your chance of success or return on investment. For more than a decade, I have led, supported, and observed Lean Six Sigma deployments in many organizations in life sciences.… Continue reading Starting Lean Six Sigma
The Role of Processes in Innovation
Do processes enable or stifle innovation? As a scientist and Operational Excellence (OpEx) practitioner in life science R&D, I have seen many perspectives. Typically, OpEx professionals stress how process design, management, and continuous improvement help reduce variation and waste and increase quality and productivity. Scientists often see the drawbacks — processes being rigid, overly prescriptive,… Continue reading The Role of Processes in Innovation