Problem Solving and Future Skills Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is one reason for raw or packaging material flaws?

Packaging material specifications were outside of specified tolerances. (correct)

Operator information was not shared.

Components were replaced too frequently.

Maintenance schedules were adhered to.

What was a factor contributing to worn machine components not being identified?

Operators were adequately trained.

Machine components were upgraded frequently.

The maintenance schedule was not followed. (correct)

Random inspections were performed.

What technique can be used to determine the best solution to a problem?

Trial and error methodology.

Weighted average technique. (correct)

Random brainstorming.

Consensus decision-making.

What is one proposed solution to improve run time and reduce errors?

Operator re-training. Signup and view all the answers

What criterion should be considered when reformulating materials?

Physical properties outside current specifications. Signup and view all the answers

What does Six Sigma aim to achieve in any process?

Achieve near perfection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the Six Sigma methodology?

Eliminate Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Measure step in Six Sigma?

Understand performance and the value chain Signup and view all the answers

Which analysis tool is juxtaposed with the 5 Why technique in problem evaluation?

Fishbone Diagram Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Act' step in PDCA entail?

Decide what changes are needed to improve the process Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Six Sigma, what is typically mapped in the Measure step?

Time or dollar values Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical factor to analyze for root causes in Six Sigma?

Type of analysis employed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the 'Improve' step in Six Sigma?

Implement selected solution changes Signup and view all the answers

What is one common reaction people have when faced with a problem?

They feel they must blame someone. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognized skill needed for the future job market in 2030?

Basic Computation Skills Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, which mindset can turn problems into opportunities?

Acceptance of constant problems. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the skills that declined in importance from 2015 to 2020?

Coordinating with others Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes a characteristic of problems?

They provide learning opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

Who is credited with the initial development of the Six Sigma approach?

Walter Shewhart Signup and view all the answers

Which skill is highlighted as necessary for complex problem solving?

Cognitive Flexibility Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Problem Solving Principles

People tend to react to problems by wanting them to go away, trying to solve them immediately and perfectly, or blaming others.
Problems are inevitable and can be opportunities to improve systems and relationships.
Solving all problems instantly isn't possible, and there's no single solution.

Marketable Skills in 2030

Mental elasticity and complex problem solving
Critical thinking
Creativity
People skills
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills
SMAC (Social, Mobile, Analytics, and Cloud) skills
Interdisciplinary knowledge

Skills Needed in the Near Future (2020-2015 Comparison)

2020: Complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, coordinating with others, emotional intelligence, judgment and decision-making, service orientation, negotiation, and cognitive flexibility.
2015: Complex problem solving, coordinating with others, people management, critical thinking, negotiation, quality control, service orientation, judgment and decision-making, active listening, and creativity.

Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to improving quality by reducing defects to near-zero.
It aims to measure defects and systematically eliminate them.
Walter Shewhart (1920s) and Bill Smith (1980s) are key figures in Six Sigma methodology.
Motorola owns the Six Sigma trademark, and Jack Welch's endorsement of General Electric helped its broader adoption.
Six Sigma uses a measurement model, with 68.26%, 95.44%, 99.73%, 99.9937%, 99.999943%, and 99.9999998% as key reference data points.
Essentially it's a methodology that aims to eliminate defects in any process, from manufacturing to service.

Six Sigma & PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)

PDCA is a cyclical process for improvement.
Define: Define the problem.
Measure: Understand performance. Map the process. List opportunities.
Analyze: Determine root causes (fishbone diagram, 5 Whys).
Improve: Create solutions, and implement.
Control: Implement controls to maintain improvements.

Steps to Problem Solving

Step 1: Defining the problem: Be specific about the problem, quantifiable loss (time or product), and the goals/deliverables.
Step 2: Measure: Understand performance, map the process and opportunities for improvement.

Analysis | Evaluation (Root Cause)

Choose a suitable method like a fishbone diagram (cause-and-effect diagram) or 5 Whys to determine root causes.

5-Whys Principle

The 5 Whys is a problem-solving technique to uncover the root cause of a problem by repeatedly asking "why?".

Example of 5 Whys Application

This shows, in practical terms, how businesses implement '5 Whys' on a specific problem to discover the root cause.

Find Solution (Criteria)

The criteria for finding a solution derives from either a fishbone diagram or the 5 Whys process.
It's crucial to select the best solution(s) from these criteria.
Utilize a weighted average if multiple likely solutions exist.

Improve Phase

Reformulate: Develop new strategies.
Revised maintenance plan: To improve efficiency and prevent recurrence
Operator re-training: To upgrade competency and avoid issues.
Cost alignment and Impact: Quantify the cost and measure the impact of the solution.

Control Phase

To retain the improvements, implement necessary controls (e.g., updated procedures, monitoring).
Visualize a graph showing throughput vs. downtime (time & cost) for visualization and data analysis.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore essential problem-solving principles and marketable skills for the year 2030. This quiz examines the evolution of necessary skills from 2015 to 2020, highlighting the importance of critical thinking, creativity, and mental elasticity. Gain insights into how complex problem-solving can turn challenges into opportunities for growth.