Basic Flowchart Symbols and Meaning

"Business process improvement (BPI) is a systematic approach to help an organization optimize its underlying processes to achieve more efficient results. ...
An organization is only as good as its processes. To be able to make the necessary changes in an organization, one needs to understand the key processes of the company. Rummler and Brache suggested a model for running a Process Improvement and Management project (PI&M), containing the following steps:
1. Identify the process to be improved (based on a critical business issue): The identification of key processes can be a formal or informal exercise. The management team might select processes by applying a set of criteria derived from strategic and tactical priorities, or process selection is based on obvious performance gaps. It is important is to select the process(es) which have the greatest impact on a competitive advantage or customer requirement.
2. Develop the objective(s) for the project based on the requirements of the process: The focus might be on quality improvement, productivity, cost, customer service or cycle time. The goal is however always the same; to get the key process under control.
3. Select the members of the cross-functional team: A horizontal (cross-functional) analysis is carried out by a team composed of representatives of all functions involved in the process. While a consultant or in-house staff person can do the job, the quality of the analysis and the commitment to change is far greater with a cross-functional team.
4. Document the current process by creating a flowchart or "organization map": Describe the process regarding the Organizational level, the Process level and the Job/ Performer level according to Rummler. Develop a cross-functional process map for the process.
5. Identify "disconnects" in the process: “Disconnections” are everything that inhibit the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. The identification should be categorized into the three levels: The Organizational level, the Process level and the Job/ Performer level.
6. Recommend changes (organizational, in the process or in its execution): Categorize and prioritize the main problems and possibilities, evaluate alternative solutions. Develop a cross-functional process map for the recommended process.
7. Establish process and sub-process measures: The process measures should reflect the objectives of the project.
8. Implement the improvements." [Business process improvement. Wikipedia]
The opportunity flow chart example "Replacing engine oil" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the Cross-Functional Flowcharts solution from the Business Processes area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.

This HR infographics example was designed on the base of flowchart "Hiring Process" from the website of the Idaho Division of Human Resources.
"... hiring process flowchart outlining the steps to fill a vacant position." [dhr.idaho.gov/ hiringprocess.html]
"What is a hiring list and what are they for?
A hiring list consists of applicants who completed and passed the examination for a vacant classified position.
The applicants are ranked on the hiring list in order from highest to lowest score." [dhr.idaho.gov/ PDF%20 documents/ Flowchart/ Hiring%20 List%20 Guidance.pdf]
"Announcements.
Announcing a vacant position benefits the agency by allowing a wide array of applicants the opportunity to compete for job openings, resulting in a more qualified employee. The State Merit System requires all appointments, promotions and separations in the classified service to be based on competence, valid job requirements, and individual performance." [dhr.idaho.gov/ PDF%20 documents/ Flowchart/ Announcement.pdf]
"Conducting A Lawful Employment Interview.
Interviewing prospective employees is one of the most important activities employers do. The employer’s objective of an interview is to determine whether an applicant is suitable for an available position. The interview provides the employer an opportunity to obtain in-depth information about a job applicant’s skills, work history, and employment background for this purpose." [dhr.idaho.gov/ PDF%20 documents/ Flowchart/ Conducting%20 a%20 Lawful%20 Employment%20 Interview.pdf]
"Reference Checks.
References should be checked after a successful interview with a candidate, but before you offer them the position. If after interviewing there are several candidates that are qualified for the position, reference checks are also a way to further distinguish who might best fit within your agency." [dhr.idaho.gov/ PDF%20 documents/ Flowchart/ Reference%20 Checks.pdf]
"Making the job offer.
Before offering the position to your selected candidate, be sure to speak with your HR and fiscal staff. They may have some suggestions for negotiating the starting salary, etc.
Job Offer Letter.
... A job offer letter should be given to the newly hired employee after you have verbally negotiated the terms of employment. This letter confirms the conditions of employment the selected candidate has accepted and gives them information for their first day." [dhr.idaho.gov/ PDF%20 documents/ Flowchart/ Making%20 the%20 job%20 offer.pdf]
"E-verify.
To ensure compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 2009-10, all
State Agencies are encouraged to participate in E-verify.
E-verify is an internet based system that allows an employer, using information reported on an employee’s Form I-9, to determine the eligibility of that employee to work in the United States.
The E-Verify system is operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration and its use is free of charge to employers." [dhr.idaho.gov/ PDF%20 documents/ Flowchart/ EVerify%20 Statement.pdf]
"New Hire Paperwork.
There are several important forms for the new employee to fill out." [dhr.idaho.gov/ PDF%20 documents/ Flowchart/ New%20 Hire%20 Paperwork.pdf]
"Probationary Period.
All appointments and promotions into classified positions require a probationary period of 1,040 hours
except for peace officers who must serve 2,080 hours.
The probationary period is a working test period to evaluate the work performance of the employee and to determine their suitability for the position." [dhr.idaho.gov/ PDF%20 documents/ Flowchart/ Probationary%20 Period%20 for%20 Hiring%20 Process.pdf]
The HR infographics example "Hiring process workflow" was created using the ConceptDraw PRO diagramming and vector drawing software extended with the HR Flowcharts solution from the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park.