Continuous improvement tools

We have created a range of templates, tools and guides that can be used as resources for change and continuous improvement (CI).

For more information about Lean and continuous improvement at Essex please explore our webpages, which include more information on current CI activity and training, or contact change@essex.ac.uk.

CI tools

• BOSCARD user guide (.pdf) - provides a brief introduction to BOSCARDS. The BOSCARD is a planning tool that can be used to provide terms of reference for new projects.
• BOSCARD template (.docx) - can be used during the scoping phase of a project to gather important information from stakeholders.
• Brainstorming user guide (.pdf) - can be used to easily gather information from a range of team members or stakeholders on a variety of topics.
• SIPOC user guide (.pdf) - can be used to develop a high-level view of a process and to determine areas that require improvement. It includes the questions that you could ask in order to complete the SIPOC.
• SIPOC template (.docx) - can be used to define a high-level view of a process, the inputs and outputs and who might be involved in the process.
• RACI user guide (.pdf) - provides a brief introduction to the RACI, Responsibility Matrix, which can be used to help clarify roles and responsibilities for specific tasks within a team
• RACI template (.docx) - can be used to clarify roles and responsibilities within a team.
• Skills Matrix user guide (.pdf) - can be used to clarify skills and experience within a team. It can also be used by teams to record personal development.
• Skills Matrix template (.docx) - can be used to clarify skills and experience within a team.
• Root Cause Analysis (5 whys) user guide (.pdf) - helps you to explore the underlying cause of problems, in order to implement the correct solution.
• Spaghetti Map (.pdf) - can be used to help define the journey of a document or customer, in particular it can show how many touch points there are in a process and where the service moves back and forwards between particular areas.
• After Action Review (.docx) - can be used to gather feedback after an event or process has taken place. This helps to establish lessons learned and expectations.

Review documents

• Scoping document (.docx) This document should be filled in before any review in order to clarify the requirements, objectives and scope, and identify who should take part. The BOSCARD is a useful tool to help gather this detail.
• Review attendee guide (.docx) This document should be filled in before any review to include the scope and objectives, and circulated to all attendees prior to the review.