Introduction:

During the first week of the BiTL course, information about how to observe your (work) environment will be given by the working of natural systems and by using a Lean manufacturing technique called value-stream mapping (VSM).

Both examples of natural systems and the VSM technique are given to you to support and inspire you to make your own observations in your own environment. Do not let the given knowledge lead your thoughts, but use them to eventually create your own overview of your environment in your own way.

Supporting Knowledge:

There are lots of natural systems that have more in common with your own work environment than you think! Below you can find some examples of these systems. The 2 things to keep in mind if you’re observing your environment are:

differences in hierarchy?
– Vertical interaction
– Horizontal interaction

In an ant colony for example, the queen has a vertical relationship with her workers since she’s their supervisor. On the other hand, the workers are equal to each other in rank and have so called horizontal interactions with each other. They are equal to each other within the colony. Click on the link below, for further information and inspiration to create your own overview of your environment!

Type of interaction:
– Mutualism
– Communalism
– Parasitism

To translate the above mentioned knowledge, value-stream mapping technique will help you. It gives you a structured overview of all the (types of) interactions present in your environment. Watch the video below for the supporting and inspiring knowledge of making a value-stream map of your work environment!

ASSIGNMENT

Use a blank piece of paper (A4) and draw, photoshop or describe the current state of your own work environment. Use the differences in hierarchy, the 3 different types of interaction and the questions below to support you in making an overview of your own work environment.

– Look around you
– What are your tasks?
– What is your network?
– What kind of hierarchy is there within the company
– With whom are you working?
– From whom are you dependent?
– Who relies on you?