Structured Problem Solving
About this course
Identifying problem areas compromising business performance and either eliminating those business risks or if unavoidable, managing these risks through the application of cost effective solutions, is a requirement for continuous improvement.
Remain abreast of the latest techniques and strategies for “focused” interventions to make substantial improvements in specific aspects of asset management. This high impact, hands-on course will equip dedicated teams with the necessary knowledge and skill to identify problems and implement effective solutions to prevent problem reoccurrence.
The course gives an in depth view of the fundamental aspects of problem solving with the specific objective of creating a structured and practical process for solving problems. It is essential for anyone responsible for the management and maintenance of physical assets, who aims to succeed and thrive in today’s highly demanding environment.
This training course is aligned with the GFMAM’s 39 Subjects with a specific focus on the subject of fault and incident response.
Outcomes
Introduction to structured problem solving
Explain structured problem solving principles in context with other related improvement principles.
Improve
Select the best approach to solve the problem.
Define
Develop a clear, concise problem definition.
Control
Explain how to implement the best solution.
Measure
Explain the current process and measure the current performance.
Focused improvement example
Perform a number of practical exercises.
Analyse improvement process.
Use recognised analytical techniques with proper verification to find the real root causes of problems before proposing any solutions or jumping to conclusions
Managing the improvement process
Explain how to manage the improvement process.
Introduction to structured problem solving
This module forms the framework for the rest of the course and
provides insight into:
- structured problem solving in context with other related improvement principles
- identify where to focus improvement activities
- introduction to the problem solving steps and its incorporation in the organisational structure.
Define
The key steps to follow to:
- develop a clear, concise and exact problem definition
- determine the significance of the problem
- define the goals and targets for the project.
Measure
Understand the current process and measure the current performance: gather and interpret data and facts in a structured fashion, rather than relying on opinions, intuition or perceptions.
Analyse
The essence of effective problem solving which is often neglected.
- Identify potential causes for the problem
- Use recognised analytical techniques with proper verification to find the real root causes of problems before proposing any solutions or jumping to conclusions.
Improve
Select the best approach to solve the problem.
- Prove and verify solutions using a pilot implementation prior to executing full-scale implementation
- Implement sustainable long term countermeasures.
Control
The implementation of the best solution.
- Formalise solutions to make them sustainable
- Roll out to other similar assets and areas
- Complete the project and hand over the improved process to the process owner, with procedures for sustaining the gains
- Continue to monitor key performance indicators to confirm that the problem solving solution was successful and achieved the desired results.
FI project example
- Witness the practical application of the problem solving steps employing an exciting real world case study.
- Perform a number of practical exercises to simulate the application of the theory in a real world situation.
Managing the improvement process
We look at an improvement process that assists with:
- identifying possible improvement projects
- prioritising the identified projects
- choosing a relevant project team
- ensuring lasting improvements are implemented.
Who should attend?
- Senior managers and executives
- Reliability engineers
- Asset and maintenance
managers - Project engineers
- Production and operations managers
- Maintenance and production engineers
- Cross-functional teams involved in improvement projects
Format and duration
- 3-day classroom training
- 24 notional hours:
blended learning compromising 6 x 4 hour virtual classroom sessions and online learning
Take-home tools
- A3 project report
- Storyboard template
Terms and conditions of registration and use
All registrations received are regarded as confirmed and subject to the following:
- Payment must be made before the course start date or within 30 days of invoice date, whichever occurs first. Once payment has been made, please send proof thereof via email to: [email protected].
- Refunds and/or substitutions are not applicable if a learner has: enrolled for a course and accessed it via the Pragma Academy Learning Management System; or attended a classroom session; or has enrolled, but failed to attend without notifying the Pragma Academy at least seven (7) working days prior to course start date.
- Refunds and/or substitutions are applicable: if cancellation is received in writing at least fifteen (15) working days before the scheduled start date of the course, a full refund is applicable; if cancellation is received in writing at least seven (7) working days before the scheduled start date of the course, a 50% refund is applicable; if a learner who enrolled in a course due to take place in less than fifteen (15) working days, sends a substitution learner subject to the substitution learner meeting the minimum prerequisite qualification requirements.
- It is the learner's responsibility to ensure that they meet the prerequisite requirements for a course they are enrolling in. Proof of suitable prerequisite qualifications will be required.
- Pragma reserves the right to cancel any advertised course due to insufficient enrolments or conditions beyond our control.