Effective Problem Solving

Class Description:
All organizations operating in competitive or challenging environments find themselves facing the need to address and solve real problems.  Yet, the available supply of effective problem-solvers is usually short.  This one-day workshop provides roadmaps and tools for those who find themselves leading or participating in problem-solving activities.  Effective problem-solvers are able to articulate the true problem, marshal evidence to identify root cause(s), and formulate solutions that will last.  At the core of the problem-solving model is the popular DMAIC roadmap, widely used by Six Sigma practitioners.  As the participants work on a realistic simulated problem, each phase and its most important tools are presented.  The training format includes discussions of case studies where actual problem-solving has occurred.  Emphasis is placed on the practical aspects of leading problem-solving teams whose charter is to solve a “cause unknown, solution unknown” problem.

How You Will Benefit:
By the end of the course, participants will have gained:

• A solid grasp of the critical phases of successful problem-solving activities;
• The ability to construct a problem statement for a realistic problem-solving project;
• The ability to conduct a basic root cause analysis;
• An awareness of the various problem-solving tools available to problem solvers;
• An appreciation for the need to address culture when implementing solutions to organizational problems;

Class Outline:

• The Critical Need for Effective Problem-solvers
• Problems vs. Opportunities:  The Important Difference
• The DMAIC Problem-solving Roadmap
• The Problem Statement:  How to Construct
• Root Cause Analysis:  The Essential Steps
• Initiating the Causal Chain
• Symptoms vs. Root Causes
• Causal Maps, 5 Why’s, & Other RCA Tools
• Independent vs. Interacting Causes
• Data-analytic Tools for RCA
• Five Steps in Implementing Effective Solutions
• Maintaining the Gains:  The Control Phase
• Roles & Responsibilities in Problem-solving
• Six Attributes of an Effective Team Leader
• Teamwork & Team Members
• The Role of the Champion / Sponsor
• Review of and Progress Reports on Problem-solving Activities
• The Impact of Solutions on Culture:  Managing Change
• The Role of Management in Successful Problem-solving

Who Should Attend:
Engineers, technicians, operators, supervisors, quality assurance personnel, and others who will participate in problem-solving activities.  Those individuals who will lead or be core members of problem-solving teams will particularly benefit from this course.  No prior knowledge of problem-solving methodologies is required for successful course completion, although prior exposure to basic problem-solving tools is helpful.