Rapid improvement techniques are designed to be action-oriented, focusing on known problems with obvious quick fixes.  JDI is considered one of a set of rapid improvement BPI methodologies; it a favored approach for its ability to make a quick decision with immediate implementation, at minimal risk.     

Business Process Improvement (BPI)

Business Process Improvement (BPI) is the ongoing practice of targeting process inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

BPI Methodologies

BPI methodologies provide the necessary structure to help you to uncover improvement opportunities, enable enhancements, and flawlessly implement changes.

For a high level perspective on a full-spectrum of BPI methodologies, see my prior BPI Overview article.  This article is a deep-dive into one of the “rapid improvement” methodologies known as “Just Do It” or “JDI”.

Rapid improvement techniques are designed to be action-oriented, focusing on known problems with obvious quick fixes.  JDI is considered one of a set of rapid improvement BPI methodologies; it a favored approach for its ability to make a quick decision with immediate implementation, at minimal risk. 

JDI Parameters and Guidelines

Simplicity is a key benefit of the JDI methodology.

Here are some of the basic parameters and guidelines for the JDI methodology:

• Candidates for JDI are problems/solutions that are obvious and don’t require in-depth analysis.
• JDI solutions fit into the “quick wins” quadrant of an impact-effort matrix; they are typically low impact and low effort initiatives.
• The people who conduct the JDI improvement process typically also have ownership of the problem.
• The solution should be accomplished within a 24 hour time period; if the solution is put in place and does not work, it can revert to the original state following the 24 hour trial.
• The solution should be accomplished by 1 to 3 people; it shouldn’t require an extended team to be implemented.
• The solution should be monitored to evaluate the impact of the improvements. This can be done via before-change and after-change data collection for comparison. 

JDI Tools

Remember that the keys to Just-Do-It are speed and simplicity.  However, you will still want to maintain some type of documentation for planning and as a historical reference.  I recommend two possible formats:

1) A3 Problem Solving Form

A3 refers to a European paper size that is approximately the size of U.S. 11-inch by 17-inch paper.  The size of the paper is not as important as the concept of trying to keep all the relevant information on a one-pager for quick reference.  (Historical note: the A3 format is used by Toyota as the template for three different types of easy to use, quick reference reports: Proposals, Status, and Problem Solving.)

The intent with the A3 is a quick, methodical break-down of the problem scope, root cause, countermeasures, and implementation.  One pager, nothing fancy:

Source: By Zsever – MS excel, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52123361

2) Your Own Custom Form

Get creative with your own format that makes sense to your particular organization.  Consider including: problem statement, analysis, resolution, measurement, and fix implementation.

Summary

In summary, Just-Do-It is a rapid improvement methodology that provides a simple, effective way to improve processes and achieve quick wins.   Through JDI, small, incremental improvements can be implemented on an ongoing basis.