Implementing the After Action Review Process in 42 Coffee Cups.
About 42cc
42 Coffee Cups (42cc) is a team of highly experienced Python/Django developers with over 15 years experience in Web Development, and more than 12 years using Django.
They have executed a range of projects across the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and Europe.
42cc offers a high quality custom web development services to SMBs and startups in various sectors like IT, E-commerce, Real Estate, and Finances.
A distinct feature of the company is its process optimization, primarily through the After Action Review (AAR) method. This approach enables the team to develop robust, continuously improving software solutions.
Overview of the Process
AAR, initially a military tool for evaluating battles and exercises, is now a common practice in organizations for performance improvement.
It is a de-brief process for analyzing what happened, why it happened, and how it can be done better.
This structured review process aims to analyze events thoroughly, focusing on inclusivity, a learning-oriented approach, structured analysis, prompt execution, and forward-thinking insights.
Implementation Strategy
Just give a written answer to the following questions:
- What was the goal or what was planned?
- What was actually done?
- Identify and analyze discrepancies between the goal (1) and the outcome (2). Analyze factors contributing to or hindering the achievement using the 5 Whys technique for deeper insight.
- Formulate actionable conclusions for future application.
The process is beneficial for continuous improvement and learning in an organization and helps in building a culture of accountability and learning.
This strategy has significantly enhanced 42cc's development quality, granting them a substantial competitive advantage and heightened client satisfaction.
Advancing to the Root Cause
Effective AARs include:
- Links to relevant evidence (URLs, screenshots, etc)
- Conclusions based on facts.
- Identification of missing information for complete analysis.
For deeper analysis, employ the 5 Whys technique, drilling down to about five layers to uncover the root causes.
Why It Matters
This analysis is crucial to avoid repeating mistakes and to foster continuous learning.
It's designed to be easily understood by new team members even years later, an essential feature in a fast-paced, competitive environment.
Getting Started
If you want to implement this in your organization, then begin with weekly goals, a manageable scale compared to monthly or quarterly objectives.
Timely AARs at every critical process level provide insights for refining practices. Depending on your management style, you can adjust the frequency of AARs.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in implementing this approach, or if you need a hand in software development.