Description

This workshop focuses very directly on problem solving, using real problems from the workplace as the training tool. In this detailed workshop, students will identify, define, analyze, and solve problems using the C4 Problem Solving Method, a standard approach rooted in Deming's PDCA cycle and using practices from other problem solving processes such as Six Sigma and TRIZ. This is a very flexible workshop, but is most effective when conducted onsite over 5 full days. This allows time for detailed data collection and analysis, getting team members involved in the process, and developing and testing countermeasures through controlled experimentation.

Target Audience

The primary workshop is designed for supervisors, department managers, and support staff who will serve as problem solving trainers and coaches in the organization. The role of trainer and coach is critical to prevent the establishment of a "problem solving team" where people expect this specialized team to come solve problems, rather than solve the problems themselves.

Objectives and Outcomes

  • Describe the PDCA cycle
  • Differentiate between structured and unstructured brainstorming, giving pros and cons of each; use a structured brainstorming approach
  • Discuss the importance of clear problem definition
  • Use multiple approaches to root cause analysis
  • Develop and test countermeasures
  • Develop plans to implement selected countermeasures
  • Implement a solution to a workplace problem
  • Determine methods of tracking solutions to ensure the problem has been solved at the root cause
  • Demonstrate how to update standardized work to incorporate a solution
  • Evaluate a team's effectiveness in following the C4 process.
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