

Lean Six Sigma Bursts
Brion Hurley
Brion Hurley from Business Performance Improvement shares his takes and thoughts on a variety of topics related to process improvement (specifically Lean and Six Sigma methods), Bursts are rapid improvement activities, so this sounded like a good word to use for these short audio clips. We'll try to keep them under 10 minutes each. Have a question? Use the Spotify app to leave us a voice message, and we might pick your question for our next episode!
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Jun 18, 2022 • 8min
E62: 5S and the KonMari method
Explore the fascinating parallels between the 5S workplace organization methods and Marie Kondo's KonMari method. Hear personal stories about downsizing and the emotional journey behind organizing. Discover how the sorting techniques differ, with practical tips for better visualization, and learn about Kondo's ideal state of 'spark joy.' The podcast dives into the nuances of placement techniques, the importance of cleaning, and introduces the concept of focusing on the 3S to simplify implementation. Tune in for insights that make organization both effective and enjoyable!

May 8, 2022 • 5min
E61: Lean in Real Life - Defining Key Metrics for a Project
In this episode, I discuss how I helped someone select a key metric for their Six Sigma project, based on the opportunity to measure and statistically validate the improvement.
Links
Lean Six Sigma Project Ideas
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BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Apr 24, 2022 • 8min
E60: Lean in Real Life - Selecting a Lean Six Sigma Project Within an Existing Project
In this episode, I discuss a way to help identify a potential Lean Six Sigma project out of a larger improvement project taking place. Selecting a project is one of the hardest things to complete for those pursuing a Lean Six Sigma certification.
Links
Lean Six Sigma Project Ideas
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BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Apr 13, 2022 • 7min
E59: Lean in Real Life - Improving Bottlenecks Using Theory of Constraints
In this episode, I discuss how I applied the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to come up with additional improvement ideas for a bottleneck process at a client I am working with. Before we invest in more people or equipment (throwing money at the problem), let's make sure we have extracted as much opportunity out of the existing process.
Links
What is Theory of Constraints?
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BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Apr 3, 2022 • 7min
E58: Combining my passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes with statistical analysis
In this episode, I discuss ways in which I've combined current event topics from the Iowa Hawkeyes sports teams with my data analysis and process improvement background. I explain a summary of 4 articles I have written, and invite you to read the ones that are of interest to you.
Links
True or False? Iowa Football Struggles in Games on the West Coast
Will Jordan Bohannon Tie or Break the Big Ten 3-Point FG's Made Record?
Did Iowa Women Suffer from Lack of Fouls in Loss to Creighton?
Racial Differences in Football Player Retention at the University of Iowa
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BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
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Mar 30, 2022 • 5min
E57: Using Takt Time to Successfully Hire Enough Job Applicants
In this episode, I discuss a situation I encountered related to hiring new employees within a set period of time. Thinking about the problem in terms of takt time was helpful, so I thought I'd share that with everyone. If you don't know about takt time, it's a method to establish a pace or rhythm for how often a process needs to complete items. We take the time available divided by the number of items to determine a pace for the work. In this example, we use it to determine how often you need to hire people to meet your goal of 14 candidates. I also include adjustments to the demand to account for losses through the process, such as no-shows, not being qualified, and not accepting the job.
Links
Takt Time on LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Mar 26, 2022 • 7min
E56: "Lean at Home" FINAL Course Module #7 - Making Mouthwash Project Example
In this episode, I share the 7th and final module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you a full example of a home improvement project. Hopefully you will be inspired to make similar improvements to your own personal life.
If you complete a similar project to this at home, you can submit the project workbook to me for review, and obtain a "Lean at Home" certification.
If you want to watch all the videos of this course or access the workbook, you can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
Free Lean at Home Course
Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Mar 25, 2022 • 6min
E55: "Lean at Home" Course Module #6 - Error Proofing and Documenting Your New Process
In this episode, I share the 6th module of the free "Lean at home" course, giving you ideas about how to error proof your home from mistakes, and documenting the new process using checklists and standard operating procedures or SOPs. At the end of the course, you will have the option to implement a project and get a "Lean at Home" certification.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
Free Lean at Home Course
Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Mar 23, 2022 • 6min
E54: "Lean at Home" Course Module #5 - 5S Method for Home Organization
In this episode, I share the 5th module of the free "Lean at home" course, helping you understand how to organize your home using the 5s method. I also go through an example of organizing my mom's sewing room. At the end of the course, you will have the option to implement a project and get a "Lean at Home" certification.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
Free Lean at Home Course
Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm

Mar 20, 2022 • 13min
E53: "Lean at Home" Course Module #4 - How to See the 8 Wastes
In this episode, I share the 4th module of the free "Lean at home" course, helping you learn about the 8 forms of waste, and how you can spot these wastes in your home process. At the end of the course, you will have the option to implement a project and get a "Lean at Home" certification.
Over the next few weeks, I will upload other modules from the course. But you don't have to wait.
You can access the entire free course, called "Home Efficiency Using Japanese Lean Productivity Techniques" at https://business-performance-improvement.thinkific.com/courses/home-efficiency-using-japanese-lean-productivity-techniques
Links
Free Lean at Home Course
Need help in your organization? Let's talk! Schedule a free support call
BIZ-PI.com
LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com
Have a question? Submit a voice message at Anchor.fm


