Possessing the skills to solve problems within your organization is essential to professional and organizational improvement. A systematic approach to troubleshooting and problem solving is indispensible to continuous and successful process improvement. The three-phase, nine-step basic problem-solving strategy combines the insights of many experienced practitioners to foster the skills necessary in identifying problems, diagnosing root causes, and implementing remedies.

For each step in the problem-solving process you will learn fundamental tools and tactics, applying them through a variety of simulations and workshops throughout the course. Concepts and tactics are reinforced through challenging case studies and detailed examples. No prior statistical experience or prerequisites are required.

Course Objectives

• Understand the concepts of problem solving, including the structured approach, common pitfalls, and strategies for different sorts of problems.
• Employ proven tactics to identify and diagnose problems.
• Create teams to address specific problems.
• Define the scope of a problem.
• Learn strategies for data collection and root cause analysis.
• Apply a structured strategy to implementing and measuring the effectiveness of the solutions and other decisions.
• Develop strategies for documenting problem investigations and preventing recurrence.

Topics

• Principles of troubleshooting
• Teamwork and communications
• Identify the problem
• Prioritize and select
• Describe the symptoms
• Diagnose the cause
• Test and verify the cause
• Choose a remedy
• Verify the remedy
• Transfer to operations
• Hold the gains

Who Should Attend
Individuals participating in process improvement at any level, whether in manufacturing, support, or administrative functions. This includes staff, supervisors, managers, and directors in such areas as manufacturing, service, engineering, planning, human relations, quality, purchasing, etc.

CEUs: 1.5
Number of Days: 2