1. Problem Solving
Updated Jun 2016

2. Objective of Problem Solving Relationship to the OODA Loop
Overview
Objective of Problem Solving
Relationship to the OODA Loop
Practical Problem Solving Method
8 Steps
Exercise

3. Objective of Problem Solving
Help Airmen focus on problem solving skills that affect:
Mission
Workcenters
People
Approach aimed at:
Increasing combat capability
Making the AF more effective & efficient

4. Objective of Problem Solving
Remove Waste and Inefficiencies
Increase:
Productivity
Asset Availability
Improve:
Response Time and Agility
Energy Efficiency
Sustain Safe and Reliable Operations

5. Relationship to the OODA Loop
Four Overlapping & Interacting Processes
Observe: Current Situation/ Facts/Known/Unknown
Orient: Understand your situation/Set goals
Decide: Select a course of action
Act: Put your plan into action
Orient Phase most important
Observed information must be processed to orient
Data must be gathered and filtered
Decide Phase
Decision analysis, and making a timely decision is one of the biggest challenges to leaders today

6. Practical Problem Solving Method

7. Practical Problem Solving Method
Types of “problems”
Something is broken, how do we fix it?
Is there opportunity to make something better?
Why did something happen? Find the answer
New initiative to implement

8. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 1: Clarify & Validate the Problem
Recognize the Correct Problem
Go to source
Observe first-hand
State the Problem: ensures everyone working effectively towards same goals
Tools
Go & See
Value Stream Mapping (flow chart)
Voice of Customer
Strategic Alignment and Deployment (SA&D) is a systematic method used to ensure everyone in an organization is working effectively toward the same goals identified by senior leadership. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Example, when all the flight commanders perform evaluations using the LCE, we align and calibrate to make sure we all are on the same page using same requirements.
Voice of the Customer: Keep in mind that we all have customers (end users if you prefer) who benefit from the products or services our organizations provide.
Go and See: The best way for leaders to spot problems is to get up and walk around their workcenters to observe firsthand what is actually taking place.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help recognize the problem:
Will resolving this problem directly contribute to organizational strategic
goals?
Will resolving this problem directly address organizational level weaknesses?
Is there a performance gap (difference between what we should be doing
versus what we’re really doing) preventing the organization from moving
forward?
Has anyone actually observed the problem as it currently exists?
Observe

9. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 2: Breakdown Problem/ID Gaps
Gather & Review Key Data
Six Characteristics of Metrics (B-SMART)
Balanced
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Results Focused
Timely
Observe

10. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 2: Breakdown Problem/ID Gaps
Value & Waste Analysis
8 Types of Waste
Defects - Intellect
Over-production - Motion
Waiting - Excess Inventory
Non-standard over processing
Transportation
Always look for waste in processes
Customer determines end value
Observe

11. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 3: Set Improvement Targets
Strategic: Visions of what the organization strives to become
Tactical: Define performance level necessary to make strategic vision a reality
Orient

12. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 4: Determine Root Cause
Most vital step
Avoid efforts directed towards symptoms
Find deepest point (root) w/in sphere of influence
Brainstorm
Tools
5 Whys
Cause & Effect Diagram
Control Chart
Pareto Analysis
Orient

13. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 5: Develop Countermeasures
Focus on selecting best solution(s)
Have common & agreeable criteria
Factors of analyzing criteria
Effectiveness (will it work or prevent reoccurrence?)
Feasibility (cost, resources, time, etc.)
Impact (job, team, mission, Air Force, etc.)
Action plan
Clear & detailed
Consensus & ownership
Decide

14. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 6: See Countermeasures Through
Collect data according to action plan
Monitor system
Determine performance of tasks
Are you hitting the targets
Implement contingency plans
Provide training
Act

15. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 7: Confirm Results & Process
Review & reassess the solution
Ensure plan produced intended results
Monitor project for performance
Baseline (Steps 1 & 2)
B-SMART (Step 3)
“Where you thought you would be”
Meeting targets by deadlines
Return to previous steps as necessary
Act

16. Practical Problem Solving Method
Step 8: Standardize Successful Processes
Most commonly skipped
Answer these questions:
What is needed to standardize improvements?
Do you have documentation?
Tech order changes
Air Force Instruction (AFI) changes
Operating Instruction (OI) changes
Restart Problem-Solving Process
Act

17. Objective of Problem Solving Relationship to the OODA Loop
Summary
Objective of Problem Solving
Relationship to the OODA Loop
Practical Problem Solving Method
8 Steps
Exercise

18. Practical Problem Solving Method