Process Improvement

1
Process Improvement
2
Problem Solving

• Problem finding
• Problem stating
• Option finding
• Deciding
• Taking Action
• Evaluating results

3
Problem Finding

• You find it or it finds you
• Obvious, recognizable problems
• Invisible problems
• Involves several specific mental habits
• Willingness to question status quo
• Looking at bigger picture
• Looking into the future

4
Problem Stating

• What is the real problem?
• Verbalize aspects of problem as widely as
  possible
• Verbal freewheeling
• Why is this a problem?
• How does it manifest itself?
• Solved before?
• Do we have to solve it?
• What if we didnt?
• The why challenge

5
Option Finding

• Cataloging the recognizable options
• Mass idea production
• Hypothesizing potential causes
• How-To technique
• Restructuring the situation

6
Deciding

• Balance Sheet Model
• Decision Tree Model
• Point Scoring Model

7
Taking Action

• Clear course of Action follow through
• Written Plan
• What, Who, When, How much?
• Contingency Plan

8
Evaluating Results

• Closed Loop
• Open Loop
• Open-minded Approach

9
Ten Commandments of Possibility Thinking

• Never reject a possibility because you see
  something wrong with it.
• Never reject a possibility because you wont get
  credit.
• Never reject a possibility because it is
  impossible.
• Never reject a possibility because your mind is
  already made up.
• Never reject a possibility because it is illegal
  -- change the law.

10
Ten Commandments of Possibility Thinking

• Never reject an idea because you dont have the
  money, manpower, muscle or months to achieve it.
• Never reject an idea because it will create
  conflict.
• Never reject an idea because it is not your way
  of doing things.
• Never reject an idea because it might fail.
• Never reject an idea because it is sure to
  succeed.

11
Seven Basic Tools

• Fishbone Diagram
• Line Flow Chart
• Check Sheet
• Pareto Chart
• Histogram
• Control Chart
• Scatter Plot

12
Fishbone Diagram
Material
Methods
People
Environment
Machinery
13
Line Flow Chart
14
Check Sheet (1)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
15
Check Sheet (2)
16
Pareto Diagram
17
Histogram
18
Control Chart
Out of Control Signal
3s
2s
s
Avg
-s
-2s
-3s
19
Scatter Diagram