Course Description
When failure occurs, we demand a rigorous process of investigation be initiated to identify why it occurred. Problem Solving is a process that investigates and solves problems, identifies causes, takes corrective action, and prevents recurrence of the root causes. The ultimate purpose of problem solving is to ensure the problem can never be experienced again. Problem solving can be applied in many disciplines, including:

• Manufacturing
• Product Design
• Testing Verification and Validation
• Distribution, Shipping, Transport and Packaging
• Use-Applications

As everyone probably knows, “perfect” is a rare state. Problems pop up from time to time and people need to solve them. As a result, it is important that people become effective problem solvers. Having a workforce with well-developed problem-solving skills is a significant competitive advantage for a company.

All people can benefit from strong problem-solving skills. However, those skills don’t come “built-in” to every person. And even those with a natural knack for it can always get better or learn to apply those skills more effectively in each work circumstance. As a result, it’s a good idea to provide resources to help people develop and use problem-solving skills at work.

Why “Problem Solving for Employees” Matters:

• Employees should recognize the importance of being good problem solvers.
• Understanding the positive impact of employee problem solving increases workplace productivity.
• Identifying the basic steps in the problem-solving process helps employees manage problems efficiently when they do arise.
• Using effective problem-solving techniques on the job keeps problems from reoccurring.

Who Should Attend
This course is designed for production employees, managers, and supervisors.

Learning Objectives
Through training, participants will learn to:

• Describe the problem
• Formulate an accurate problem statement
• Apply root cause analysis tools
• Implement potential solutions

Course Outline
The problem-solving process has four major parts:

1. Grasp the Situation
During the first part of the problem-solving process, Grasp the Situation, participants learn to:

• • Identify the problem
  • Clarify the problem
  • Develop a problem statement
    • Use the 5W2H tool

2. Cause Investigation
During Cause Investigation, participants learn to use several Root Cause Analysis (RCA) tools, including:

• • Conducting a “5-Why” investigation to identify the root cause
  • Is/Is-Not Techniques
  • Cause & Effect Diagrams

3. Problem Correction
Problem Correction involves the use of specific actions to correct the problem. Participants learn to implement short-term temporary measures (required to protect their customers) and follow with longer-term corrective actions.

4. Prevention
In the fourth and final part of the problem-solving process, participants learn to take specific actions to make sure a problem cannot recur, typically through error proofing and capturing the lessons learned.

Prerequisites
None

Course Format
8 hours (8:30am-4:30pm EST or 2 x 4-hour virtual sessions)
Combination lecture and classroom exercises
Available virtually, at QSG’s training facilities or on-site at your organization
Course Instructor: Dave Margil – Consultant, Lean Six Sigma

Course Evaluations Set 1
Course Evaluations Set 2
Course Evaluations Set 3 – Montreal
Course Evaluations Set 4

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