Overview
Everyone should be part of the process of developing new approaches to the way a job is done. The morale of employees improves because their contribution to the new approach provides them with a feeling of 'ownership' over the outcomes.
Change sometimes makes us feel uneasy. Some people see change as a threat, when in reality it can also be viewed as an opportunity to improve the way things are done.
There may be lots of changes that you have had to cope with at work, including:
- coming to grips with new GPS technology, computerised machinery and communications equipment
- staying up-to-date with changing codes of practice and workplace procedures
- complying with new environmental laws and regulations
- satisfying stricter OHS provisions and completing additional forms and checklists
- working towards new sustainability objectives and meeting changing community expectations on forest growing and harvesting practices.
What about day to day changes? How do you cope with unexpected problems with machinery and equipment, delays because of the weather or employee absences? Do you regularly factor in a contingency plan to cope with unforseen issues (the "just in case" approach)?
In this section, we'll look at a model known as the PDCA cycle. It provides a plan for moving with change by developing new approaches to the job and then implementing the modified work practices in a controlled way. It is often used as an integral part of the continuous improvement process.
Completing this section
The assignment for this section follows on from the 'Reviewing opportunities' assignment you completed in the last section. Have a look at the assignment now to see what you'll need to do to complete it.
Also in the menu bar is a link to the lesson for this section: The PDCA cycle. This will provide background information on the steps relevant to the assignment.
There is also a case study showing the activity that Joe, a harvesting supervisor, has chosen as his topic for the assignment.