Stream Theory Overview

Stream Theory is a logical algorithm to optimize decision-making process. It relies on a combination of familiar tools, thoughtfully connected together into a single framework. Critical Chain meets Agile in an approach that will give you both, control and flexibility. Stream Theory will help you connect each task with a common company goal.

It all starts with Goal Definition. A company has to decide if it needs to go through a Transformation or enter a phase of Continuous Improvement. To define the goal, several key factors have to be considered:

• Company Market Position

• Customer Experience

• Organizational Constraints

• Employee Experience

Together, key performance indicators (KPIs) from each area suggest what would be the appropriate type of change. Strategic Transformations bring together most organizational assets towards a common objective. Mergers and Acquisitions are a good example of a Strategic Transformation.

When a company needs to stabilize, it may chose to manage continuous improvement work using an iterative execution process, such a Agile. Stream categorizes work into:

• Maintenance Projects

• Quality Improvement Projects

• Growth Projects

Senior Leadership should be deciding 'when' to grow and 'when' to stabilize, not 'if'.

Categorized Continuous Improvement Backlog provides key building blocks for prioritizing the work. Adding ownership, complexity and dependency provides the ingredients necessary to schedule execution. A continuous Change Rhythm, both at operational and executive levels, helps schedule change initiatives at least 3-4 quarters out.

Since common goal was based on specific KPIs, a regular look back to the original assumptions helps measure change progress and ROI. The end result is a data driven common goal that is achieved in one of two ways, either rapidly or continually, yet executed in the same rhythm, using the same techniques and ceremonies.