The Memory Jogger 2: Tools for Continuous Improvement and Effective Planning

Let me tell you what the Memnory Jogger 2 is not. It is not a theoretical guide. It is not a teaching tool. It is a how to make a process improvement right now guide. Earlier I wrote a review of the Problem Solving Memory Jogger 2 and mentioned that both of these books need to be purchased at the same time. The Problem Solving Memory Jogger 2nd EditionHere is how it works: The Problem Solving Memory Jogger gives you a process to solve problems which are defined as "...a gap between the current performance level of a process, product or service and the desired performance level..." and the tools to solve those problems. The Memory Jogger 2 gives you a deep dive on the specific problem solving tools.I gave a copy of each of these books to everyone on my team. When we had meetings to solve various problems we used the books. When I say used the books I mean I would say things like "we need to do a cause and effect matrix everyone turn to page...". Doing this allowed me to close the skill gap between the people on my teams who were six sigma trained or certified.Who should buy these books right now: Anyone that has a gap to close (don't we all have that); Suppliers to Corporate America whose performance is being measured by a scorecard and a deficiency was identified; Leaders who have a gap in their strategic plan; People who are working with total quality management people who are just horrible at explaining things etc. I hate to admit in some times quality professionals love talking about their tools more than they do in simply showing someone how to use the tools to solve problems. These two books solve all of those problems by putting the user - you - in a position of knowledge.Here is the bottom line: Whatever quality management process you are introduced to like Six Sigma, Plan/Do/Check/Act, Plan/Do/Study/Act, A3, or whatever else it is called they all require mastery of the 14 core tools which are covered in "The Memory Jogger 2" and the plan to use them which is covered in the "The Problem Solving Memory Jogger 2nd Edition.I have paper versions and Kindle versions so that I am never without them.Buy them and boldy go fix a process, improve a process or create a brand new process!

As a professor who teaches productivity and quality improvement concepts, I have found this book to be a very useful overview of the primary improvement tools available. It is organized well, explains the purpose of each tool, gives detailed instructions for using each tool, and examples to give you ideas of how to apply the concepts. I require all my students to purchase this book as well as other Memory Jogger products for my classes. If you are involved in Lean, Six Sigma, Healthcare, Project Management, or Leading Teams, you might want to check out their other Memory Jogger books that explain additional useful concepts specifically related to your field of expertise as a supplement to the Memory Jogger 2 - goalqpc's foundational guide. These books are written for practitioners - those who want to learn the concepts and apply them within their work environment, often within a team setting. There are leader and facilitator guides available as well for those who want to teach the concepts within a classroom or corporate education setting. The Memory Jogger 2 is a "must have" for those who are responsible for implementing improvements within organizations.

This is a good reference to perform quality based problem solving methods for those who have some previous understanding of these methods. I wouldn't recommend this as your only reference. It is not detailed enough to teach these tools. It is perfect to trigger your memory to utilize various quality tools for different situations. It briefly walks the reader through in the most simple basic way. I keep it in my top drawer of my desk!

This book was received in a timely manner & in new condition as described. I have used several of the "Memory Jogger" series & have found them all to be accurate and helpful in accomplishing various tasks which may not be required every day. These books provide a quick reference for the major aspects of many types of management processes, from ISO standards, lean Mfg., Six sigma, and other management processes.

Likes: well constructed, easy to read, informative, well organized, includes quantitative and qualitative techniques, usability=hit the ground running!Dislikes: none

Perfect size to throw in a laptop bag or back pocket. I will use it at work for years. It also pairs nicely with a stack of sticky notes in my bag to conduct the workshops described in the book.Shoutout to Terry M. for introducing me to the continuous improvement mindset.

Does what it advertises, covers a lot of useful methodologies and gives great and useful insight. However, it's a little rough around the edges (typos) and to my liking does too much of "we could explain you this, but please buy these other books in the series".

This little volume was just what I was looking for. I took a Quality class last term and this book helps me remember ways to measure quality as well as additional material. I found a section about holding effective meetings!