Kanban: the all-in-one project management system for work and school
Kanban is a project optimization and management system that allows you to complete tasks on time, save resources, increase the speed and quality of work. The system was developed in Japan in the 1960s, first implemented at a Toyota car factory. Now kanban is used in different companies around the world. In this article, we will explain the basic principles of the kanban system and how to use it in work and study.
What is a kanban system
A kanban system helps spread the load and keep track of the progress of tasks. With the help of visualization of each stage of work, all employees can be aware of the progress of the project and adjust their tasks. Let’s see how the method works.
- Creating cards. All the tasks that the department needs to complete should be added to the overall plan. To do this, cards are created that indicate the name and description of the task. The workflow becomes open and clear, each specialist sees who is doing what and, if necessary, knows who to contact for help.
- Grouping tasks. Columns are created on the board, for example, “List of tasks”, “In progress”, “Done”. Each specialist puts down statuses in their tasks, all team members see the progress of work.
- Overdue tasks. If the task cannot be completed on time, then you need to separately understand what the problem is, if necessary, allocate resources or postpone work.
- Weak spots. Workflow visualization helps to see not only progress, but also problems in workflows, for example, somewhere you need to reduce the load, and at some stage pay more attention.
You can work with the kanban system both in the online service and use a regular board with stickers. Its principles are quite flexible: you can increase the number of columns, change the look, add new statuses, apply it to perform one big task, or implement it in a department for permanent work.
How to use a kanban table in school
The Kanban method is easy to transfer from project activities to study. Only the result of the work will not be products, but the knowledge gained. Training and self-development is the same project that requires organization and optimization of time and effort. Let’s consider the basic rules that will help to introduce the system into the educational process.
- State a goal – what needs to be done. For example, prepare an essay on the subject. This will be a project.
- Understand what is needed to achieve the goal. Study the information, make a plan, write an introduction, main body and conclusion – these are cards that should contain the main tasks.
- Set due dates on all tasks.
- Create task progress stages — Ideas, In Queue, In Progress, Done.
With the help of such a board, you can see the entire amount of work, fully focus on writing an abstract, evaluate each stage, prepare a report on time, not drown in textbooks and not overwork.
Now you know how to work effectively and achieve your goals. And to enhance the effect and learn how to correctly allocate your time, take the free online course “Time Management”. From the course, you will learn how to plan your work or school day, how to get rid of time wasters and always meet deadlines.
