A lot of thinking ahead should be done right at the initial stages of the change process. When it is decided that a change is needed a lot of factors should be taken into consideration before a plan is drawn up for the change. These include factors like costs involved and finances available to bring about the change, if the production system can support the change, labor available, training and expertise required, upkeep, material and energy required etc. this planning stage should follow Economic model for trade-offs
If the change is to be brought about in a multifaceted project involving a number of points that need attention, computer simulation can be used. Computer simulation helps generate quick solutions to various issues. However, it requires high cost for implementation and high expertise for running the software.
Another simpler Economic model has been suggested by Reinertsen & Associates of Redondo Beach, CA ("Do your product development math," Machine Design, May, 1998). This model recommends simple swapping system in project planning. Every project has 4 basic objectives:-
- Estimated date of completion i.e. the date when the project should be ready for implementation.
- Estimated cost of completion of the project studied on per unit basis e.g. per unit of material used etc.
- Expected outcome levels in terms of savings, increase in yield, efficiency etc.
- Estimated cost of planning, implementation of the project. This is a one time cost.
Thus the responsibility for organizing this change process can be viewed throughout the implementation chain.
Once the project is submitted for assessment and evaluation to the management, the top brass might highlight issues which were previously ignored and should have been studied. The effect of the proposed change on the entire process should be studied carefully. A checklist should be drawn for this purpose.
In better managed companies, the process of planning for and implementation of change is well established and managed according to set principles to ensure consistency,





