Group/Individual: Facilitating Structures

Group/Individual Level

Facilitating structures - Detailed implementation planning

Information analysis exercise
This example is designed with an order fulfilment process in mind. You may need to modify the exercise for your specific situation and needs. Print out the following pages or copy them into a word processor to customise your own version. The purpose of this exercise is to demonstrate that information flow in an organisation can be tracked, mapped and more efficiently managed. The objective is to better your understanding of the inner workings of your company by identifying the flow of communication between the different departments. This exercise is designed to help you analyse how information is handled and communicated within your company as an order is processed. The following is an overview of the process:

First, list in the boxes provided, all of the areas in your company that are required for processing an order from the time the order is received until the service is provided or the product is "out the door."
Draw arrows connecting the boxes. Then number each box in the order information is processed and handled between these areas. Do not be surprised if you draw more than one arrow between two boxes.
Next, attempt to "reorganise" the information flow within your company to improve efficiency and eliminate wasted time and effort. You may want to simply, eliminate, or combine some areas.
After completing your reorganisation, list the potential benefits.

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