TABLE OF CONTENTS Processes occur in a wide variety of forms and in many different areas, but the common factor is that every process consists of several steps that are used to convert some kind of input into output. Inputs may be raw materials or information, and outputs may be finished goods or services.
A process must be clearly distinguished from the tools and resources that are used in the process. The essence of a process is in the act of doing-the steps involved in doing something. The tools and resources are the means whereby the doing is accomplished. The reason why the act of doing has to be separated from the means for doing is that there may be a variety of tools, resources, techniques, and methods used to achieve the same objective. In as much as the process steps are distinguishable from the process tools and resources, any analysis of a process must pay adequate attention to the tools and resources because they too will impact greatly on the output or result of the process.
Also note that the product of a process is different from the process itself. The process is the act of doing; the product is the result of doing. The product is the footprint of the process that is left behind.
A process is similar to a project. Both processes and projects use a series of steps or operations to convert inputs into outputs. The key...
