Action Planning & Continuous Improvement

The definition of a problem is, the difference between what is happening and what should be happening, and problem solving is a structured approach to eliminating this difference. This process of problem-solving begins as you identify the root cause to stop the problem from happening again, this is referred to as root cause analysis.

There are two major methods of root cause analysis.

The Fishbone or Ishikawa diagram identifies causes and effects of the problem, allowing solutions to be generated usually by brainstorming ideas, moreover, the solution is implemented with the thought of continuous improvement. 

Another method is termed, 5 whys, which is a method that constantly asks, why, until a solution is found.

When trying to find a solution for a problem, you’re analysing a process, it may be necessary to get information from the previous process. This, however, may be quite difficult to get at times, as people may feel suspicious, as they may feel someone is using 
 this information for personal gain, rather than advancement in the process. 

A culture of trust, team learning, and support must be established to continue successful 
 continuous improvement of operations.

Learning Objectives:
 •    Identify how a problem is defined 
 •    Distinguish between the two major methodologies of problem solving
 •    Integrate everyone into the process of problem solving with respect to their role in the process, and make sure no one is using information of another process for their personal gain