Abstract

In a case study of a Saudi Arabian health care system, a lean process improvement initiative was undertaken to cut costs, reduce errors and save time in regards to the performance appraisal process. Performance appraisal forms were evaluated for nonvalue-added activities, opportunities for error and duplication of work. Editors in charge of filling out these forms were included throughout the project to ensure that suggested changes would be appropriate. The results of the case study included a 53 percent reduction in total time spent filling out the forms, a 92 percent reduction of errors and an annual savings of 82,000 dollars for the organization. The editorial team also suggested other more advanced improvements that would cut costs and errors down even further.