Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis

Instructor

Curtis Pawloski

President/Senior Consultant for

Integral Operations, Inc

Since 1995, Curtis has been consulting and training based on his expertise in project management, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, process and quality improvement, problem-solving, and quality system development and implementation. He has a B.S.ChE from the University of Michigan, a Graduate Certificate in Hazardous Materials Management/Chemical Engineering from Wayne State University, and an M.B.A. from Wayne State University.

Target Students

Intended for management and technical personnel from all areas of the business, including but not limited to Senior Management, Department Heads, Engineers, Designers, Quality Managers/Engineers/Technicians, HR Managers/Administrators, Production Supervision, and Other Operations personnel.

To obtain CEUs, students must complete all course contact hours and successfully pass the learning assessment. Probitas verified this course as meeting the AS9104/3A requirements for Continuing Professional Development.

Problems arise in all facets of life and impact an organization’s operations, such as those related to product development, product quality, process efficiency, marketing efforts, human relations, leadership efforts, financial execution, and ultimate profitability. The ways in which problems are addressed and the methodologies employed determine an organization’s success. This Instructor-led course provides an overview of successful problem-solving models and guides the participants through the steps for effective problem resolution using the 8D problem-solving model.

The 8D model is employed in this training program to demonstrate the effective use of basic tools and concepts of problem-solving including data gathering, data analysis as well as new patterns of thought for resolution and prevention of problems. Root Cause Analysis is an essential component to all problem-solving methodologies, and it is a central focus of this course.

During this course participants will use the tools to address the real business/technical problems that stand in the way of their organization’s success. The pathway for resolution of these problems is developed and, in many instances, actual solutions are generated in the classroom.

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

· Define the term “problem” and describe why we need a structured problem-solving approach

· Identify the requirements for each step of a basic systematic and effective approach to problem solving and root cause analysis

· Effectively select and apply problem solving and root cause analysis tools

· Correctly and effectively apply the basic problem solving and root cause analysis approach on real company problems

Introduction to Problem Solving

· Define problems

· Review examples of problems faced on and off the job

o Short-term

o Periodic

o Long-term

o Chronic

o Something changed vs. Never met the required performance

· Examine why problems can be difficult to solve

· Identify typical poor approaches to problem solving, and how to stay away from these approaches

· Describe why a systematic approach to problem-solving is ideal

· Review current problem-solving approaches used by participants

· Review popular problem-solving approaches such as:

o Those used by Toyota, Honda and Nissan

o TRIZ

o Shainin – Red X

· Troubleshooting vs. Problem Solving

· Defining Root Cause Analysis

· Continual Improvement

· Exercise activities to demonstrate key concepts

The requirements for each step of a basic systematic and effective approach to problem-solving and root cause analysis

· Review the steps of a basic problem-solving approach.

· Analyze the requirements for effectively carrying out every step of the basic problem-solving and troubleshooting approaches.

· A series of questions to be answered at each step ensures effective implementation.

Selecting and applying problem-solving (root cause analysis) tools

· Problem Description tools such as Is/Is Not analysis

· The “Seven Basic Tools of Quality”

· Process Orientation; Flow Diagrams and Process Maps

· Containment/Prevent Escape Strategies – Protect the Customer

· Root Cause analysis

o Barrier Analysis

o Change Analysis

o The Five Whys

o Cause and Effect Diagram

o Fault Tree Analysis

o Data Gathering and Analysis Techniques.

o Multiple “root causes” and how to deal with this situation

· Risk Analysis

· Verification and Validation Strategies

· Exercise activities to reinforce the selection and correct use of the tools

Applying the basic problem-solving and root cause analysis approach to real company problems (or a generic case study)

· Form teams and apply a team-building tool. Use the course materials, forms, and guidance by the instructor to lay out approaches for solving “real” problems

Class Cost

· $1,525**/SAE Members

· $1,650**/Non-SAE Members

** Online payment for class includes a service fee of $18.67 from Eventbrite. Students can

avoid this fee by mailing a check directly to Sara Powers.

Checks payable to: TC SAE

Sara Powers

RFA Engineering

12986 Valley View Road

Eden Prairie, MN 55344

Please contact Jon Ness @ 952-843-2700 if you have questions.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

12986 Valley View Rd, 12986 Valley View Road, Eden Prairie, United States