1. Problem Solving for Industry

2. We solve problems all the time, much of that time is unconscious problem solving Finding out how to get to a new location What clothes to wear to a function What the problem is with the car Why the light keeps going out

3. We seem to know how to do it without really thinking about it Somewhat like learning to walk Because over time, we have learned how to solve relatively simple problems, our expectation is that this method will work all the time

4. When we are faced with a more complex or different situation that our typical problem solving technique will not resolve, we need to go back to consciously working through the problem We also need to learn new techniques Involve others in the problem solving process Research and collect data

5. This class is designed to provide some alternative methods to work through problems and find the most viable solutions Furthermore, after the solution is selected, we will discuss methods to determine if it is indeed the correct solution

6. You will asked to look at the total picture and ask typical questions such as Who is involved? What exactly is wrong? Where is the problem taking place? When did the problem begin? What is the pattern of the problem?

7. You will be asked to go through some problem solving exercises to help utilize the tools you will be exposed to This will help to familiarize you with the process an reinforce the learning experience

8. Steps to Problem Solving Lets take a look at the steps that we should go through to resolve a problem … any problem …

9. Engage in Education and Training Determine Solution for Problem Determine True Problem Implement Work Check the Effects of Implementation Take Appropriate Corrective Action PLAN DOCHECK ACT Determine True Problem Determine Solution for Problem Engage in Education and Training Implement Work Check the Effects of Implementation Take Appropriate Corrective Action

10. Determine True Problem We tend to focus on the symptom and not the true problem. Lets look at an example – Go to Worksheet #1

11. On the Job Carrie, Carl and Kent are all carpenters for the Conscientious Construction Co. They work all over the city on commercial sites. They are all full-time carpenters and have been working for this company for over two years. This morning all three arrived at work and waited nearly two hours before their materials arrived at the site. All three spent most of the morning complaining about the company, especially about not getting a raise in quite a while. After the materials arrived, Kent and Carrie got into an argument about who would be able to use the only power skill saw on the site first. Meanwhile, Carl had to wait for both of them to finish before he was able to start, so he left to get more donuts. All of them were feeling angry and frustrated. Today a foreman, Frank, came to the site and told them all they were behind schedule and that the company was losing money. He went on to say that when the company loses money, they have to cut workers, especially those workers that don't meet deadlines. Kent yelled Frank and said that if the company were more organized, they could meet deadlines. Then Frank got angry at Kent and said that he might be first on the list to go!

12. What is the problem? To try and find out, ask yourselves the following questions Who is involved in the problem? What exactly is wrong? Where is the problem taking place? When did the problem begin? What is the extent of the problem? Is there a pattern in the problem?

13. Methods Management Machines ManpowerMaterial Environment

14. Now, take at look at each individual. What part do each of them play in the problem? Carrie Carl Kent Frank

15. Now go to Worksheet #2 There is a list of questions that hopefully will help to narrow down everything you now know

16. Now you have come up with a probable identification of the potential causes of the problem we need to look at solutions