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It started with the cow path: working flatter, not faster.

J A Wesley

    Computers in Healthcare
    |September 6, 1989
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study challenges the conventional "cow path" model in process improvement. It argues against merely optimizing existing manual procedures and suggests exploring entirely new approaches instead.

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    Area of Science:

    • Management Science
    • Process Improvement
    • Organizational Behavior

    Background:

    • Organizations often automate or streamline existing manual processes, referred to as the "cow path" model.
    • This approach focuses on improving inefficient legacy systems rather than questioning their fundamental necessity.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To critically evaluate the "cow path" model in process optimization.
    • To advocate for a paradigm shift away from simply improving existing workflows.

    Main Methods:

    • Conceptual analysis of process improvement methodologies.
    • Critique of traditional automation and efficiency strategies.

    Main Results:

    • The "paving the cow path" (computerizing manual tasks) and "straightening the cow path" (making manual tasks more efficient) approaches are insufficient.
    • Current thinking often perpetuates suboptimal processes by focusing on incremental improvements.

    Conclusions:

    • Organizations should question the underlying assumptions of existing processes.
    • A move beyond the "cow path" model is necessary for true innovation and efficiency.

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