Introduction to the OODA Loop and the 8-Step Problem-Solving Process

OVERVIEW Objective of the Problem-Solving Process OODA Loop Decision Making 8-Step Problem-Solving Process All the services have implemented these concepts, although with different names. The Air Force program is fairly new.

Problem-Solving Process Objective: - Help Airmen focus their problem-solving skills on big issues that affect our mission, our workcenters, and our people - Team centered, systematic, common-sense approach aimed at increasing combat capability and making Air Force units more effective and efficient

Problem Solving Process Core of Process Improvement! Remove Waste and Inefficiencies Increase: Productivity Asset Availability Improve: Response Time and Agility Energy Efficiency Sustain Safe and Reliable Operations

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? SO….How do we do all this? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

OODA Loop

OODA Loop Originated by Col John Boyd (USAF) Also known as Decision Cycle He was dubbed "Forty-Second Boyd" for his standing bet as an instructor pilot that beginning from a position of disadvantage, he could defeat any opposing pilot in air combat maneuvering in less than forty seconds

Four Overlapping and Interacting Processes OODA Loop Four Overlapping and Interacting Processes Observe Current Situation Form Theories Orient Set improvement targets Determine root causes Decide Develop Solutions Act Implement and Evaluate

OODA Loop/Eight-Step Problem-Solving 1. Clarify The Problem 2. Break Down The Problem/ Identify Performance Gaps 3. Set Improvement Target 4. Determine Root Causes 5. Develop Countermeasures 6. See Countermeasures Through 7. Confirm Results & Process 8.Standardize Successful Processes Observe Orient Decide Act

The “Problem” There are different types of “PROBLEMS” Something IS broken, how do we fix it? IS there opportunity to make something better? If so, how do we improve? Why did something happen? Find the answer. This new initiative WILL be implemented, make it happen and deal with any problems that come up. OODA

Step 1 – Clarify & Validate The Problem Critical Step! Recognize the correct problem and be sure it is completely understood by all State the problem by developing a “Problem Statement” What Where When Significance OODA

Step 1 – Clarify & Validate The Problem Clarification/Verification Tools Go and See “Lay eyes” on situation First hand observation Value Stream Mapping Diagram of steps in process Flowchart Voice of the Customer Surveys Interviews It is the customer or end user who determines value OODA

Step 2 – Break Down Problem & I.D. Performance Gap Don’t just start taking action! Gather and Review Key Data Understanding what data is necessary and what it means is critical to problem solving What is the Performance Gap? Gap Analysis Is there a Bottleneck (Constraints)? Bottleneck Analysis OODA

Step 2 – Break Down Problem & I.D. Relevant Data Value and Waste Analysis -- Eight Types of Waste: Defects Over Production Waiting Non-standard Overprocessing Transportation Intellect Motion Excess Inventory -- Always look for waste in your processes OODA

Step 3 - Set Improvement Targets Where You Want To Be--Desired Outcome Strategic Targets Visions of what the organization strives to become Tactical Targets Define the performance level necessary to make your strategic vision a reality Challenging but Achievable OODA

Step 4 – Determine Root Causes Most vital step in the problem-solving process Root Cause Characteristics All too often Air Force leaders find themselves addressing problems that have been “solved” many times before. This is usually due to problem solving efforts being directed at the symptoms of a problem rather than at the root cause of the problem OODA Determining the Root Cause is easier with Data

Step 4 – Determine Root Causes Brainstorming - Quantity, Not Quality - Hitchhike Ideas - Withhold Judgment - Encourage Freewheeling 5 Whys? When you think you understand the cause of the problem ask what caused the cause. i.e. Ask “why” five times. OODA

Step 4 – Determine Root Causes Control Chart Pareto Analysis Cause and Effect Diagram OODA

Step 5 – Develop Countermeasures Selecting Solutions Consider quality and practicality and need to gain acceptance by those that must implement it Two tools to use: Analysis of Alternatives and Action Plans. Factors to consider when analyzing alternatives: Effectiveness Feasibility Impact Must be Specific, Measurable, and Attainable OODA

Step 5 – Develop Countermeasures ACTION PLAN Make sure that you have created a clear and detailed plan that everyone can understand. MOST importantly build consensus with others by involving all of your team appropriately to develop a sense of ownership in the solution and in its success. REMEMBER Communicate! OODA

Step 6 – See Countermeasures Through Take Action! Collect Data according to the action plan Implement contingency plan Changing conditions Provide required training OODA

Step 7 – Confirm Results & Process Ensure the plan is producing the intended results The project should be monitored for performance relative to: The baseline developed in steps 1 and 2 The improvement targets established in step 3 Where you thought you would be at this stage Meeting targets by the established deadline Return to any step necessary OODA

Step 8 – Standardize Successful Processes Most commonly skipped and under completed of the entire Problem Solving Process Step 8 can be defined by the answers to Several Questions: What is needed to standardize the improvements? Documentation? Tech order changes, Air Force Instruction changes, Official Instruction changes Were other opportunities or problems identified by the Problem Solving Process? Restart the OODA Loop OODA

SUMMARY Objective of the Problem Solving Process OODA Loop Decision Making 8-Step Problem-Solving Process All the services have implemented these concepts, although with different names. The Air Force program is fairly new.

OODA Loop/Eight-Step Problem-Solving All the services have implemented these concepts, although with different names. The Air Force program is fairly new.