Process as a description of successive activities -

Process

A process should be understood by analogy with a mechanism in which each mode contributes to its operation. Therefore similarly, each process identified in an organization consists of its effects.

A process is understood as an event that occurs over time. First, these events follow each other and, secondly, lead to causally related changes.

Process definition in literature

In addition it can be specified broadly or narrowly. Broad definitions emphasize the overall (integrated), purposely and sequential (or time-simultaneous) nature of the process. Narrow, on the other hand, describe it as a consecutive activity (activities, operations) concerning the selected area of activity of the company. Therefore, let’s see how this term is described in the literature. For instance:

First: ISO 9000:2015: ‘it is a set of interrelated or interacting activities that use process inputs to deliver the intended result’.

Second: M. Hammer and J. Champy: “a set of activities requiring a “contribution” at the entrance and giving an output result of some value to the customer”.

Third: C. Adair and B. Murray: ‘a series of tasks or phases (steps). On the one hand, they are supplied with ‘raw materials’ (materials, information, people, machinery, methods). But on the other hand, they lead to the manufacture of a product (material product, information, service). In fact it is intended for use for specific purposes by the recipient for whom the product is manufactured’.

Fourth: H. Harrington: “transforming specific inputs into expected results. In fact these results, as inputs to other processes, do not necessarily directly create added value for the end customer”. (This author stresses that the process client may also be inside the organization).

In conclusion…

All its characteristics contained in the above definitions are reflected in the process requirements of ISO 9001:2015. Going forward, it should be mentioned that a common way of describing the process is the so-called turtle diagram.

Process

Process definition in literature

In conclusion…

Processes – what is not discussed and is extremely important

Process – how to design it to manage it effectively

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