Manufacturing Management and Technology Guide | Section 2.12

2.12 - Taskforce Management Procedure

The most effective way to manage organisation change is via the taskforce approach.
The taskforce should use a structured methodology and be given ambitious but achievable targets.

Competitive objectives	→	Department input / output & flowchart analysis	→	Eliminate wasteful activities	→	Restructure what is left into natural groups	→	Selectively apply automation & technology to improve	→	Reduce business cost base shorter lead times & improved reliability

Objectives and Terms of Reference of the taskforce should be consistent with and support the overall mission of the business. Whenever possible arrange for more than one taskforce to run in parallel to attack the main areas of overhead burden from an overall business viewpoint.
Training the team and their managers in the principles and techniques of the Total Quality approach and Systems Engineering
The Project Owner should be designated from the executive level with ultimate responsibility for the Taskforce, agreeing the overall targets and timescales for achievement.
Taskforce Leaders must be full-time dedicated to the teams and will often be members of the Management Team.
Taskforce Members must be full-time dedicated to the team.
Co-ordination between the Taskforce and other Taskforces will be provided by a steering group and facilitated by a Change Manager. Agreeing the need for such a co-ordinating role is very important. The group normally consists of members of the management team occasionally with employee representatives.
The Steering Group will provide overall co-ordination and direction consistent with business needs. Setting and selecting priorities and the acknowledgement of achievement are key functions.