A3 Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis Part II

   Join Lean Jax on June 26, 2025 for Part II of our A3 Problem-Solving and Root Cause Analysis hybrid training workshop!

Training Details

Date: June 26, 2025

Time: 8:30-Noon (EST)

Location: TBD and Zoom

Cost: Free for Lean Jax Members; $75 for Non-members

Learning Objectives

✅ Test Root Causes through Logical Reasoning: Apply logical reasoning techniques to validate and confirm identified root causes effectively.
✅ Identify and Categorize Countermeasures: Recognize various types of countermeasures and provide relevant examples that effectively address root causes and promote continuous improvement.
✅ Enhance Problem-Solving Prowess: Apply creative techniques such as brainstorming and CEDAC to generate a diverse range of countermeasures for identified issues.
✅ Utilize Analytical Tools: Leverage tools like FMEA, Pareto analysis, and cost/benefit analysis to evaluate and prioritize countermeasures based on their impact and feasibility.
✅ Implement Decision-Making Techniques: Use dot voting and consensus-building strategies to collaboratively select the most effective countermeasures for implementation.
✅ Integrate Lean Methods: Apply Lean methods (Kaizen bursts) that can address a problem at its’ root cause.
✅ Execute A3 Plans and Control Mechanisms: Develop and implement A3 plans that detail selected countermeasures and outline clear steps for execution and monitoring to ensure sustained improvements.
✅ Complete A3 Reports: Gain the knowledge and skills to create and finalize their own A3 reports to improve how work is done in their organization.

Training Outline

1. Review of Part I: Recap key concepts and participant reflections; Sharing insights and applications since the last session.
2. Testing Root Causes through Logical Reasoning: Techniques for validating root causes; Group exercise: Analyzing a case study.
3. Understanding Countermeasures: The role of countermeasures in addressing root causes and bridging gaps to target conditions; Discussion on preventing recurrence and facilitating progress.
4. Incorporating Lean Methods: Overview of key Lean methods (Kaizen bursts) to serve as countermeasures.
5. Generating and Prioritizing Countermeasures: Techniques for brainstorming (traditional brainstorming, brain-writing, CEDAC); Methods for prioritizing (Pareto Analysis, FMEA, Countermeasures Matrix) while balancing risk, cost, and impact.
6. Aligning Countermeasures with Target Conditions: Ensuring selected countermeasures address identified gaps; Examples of successful alignment leading to measurable improvements; Brain-writing exercise to apply countermeasure generation and prioritization.
7. Formulating A3 Improvement Plans: Guidance on developing A3 plans with incorporated countermeasures; Assign responsibilities, resources, and target completion dates.
8. Control Phase: Attaining stability (bridge the gap), deploy control mechanisms to make improvements stick.
9. Overview of A3 Assignment: Instructions for creating an A3 for a current work issue; Tips for selecting relevant problems and completing the A3.
10. Workshop Summary and Next Steps: Recap key learnings and actionable steps; Q&A session and closing remarks.

Training Summary

This hands-on, learn-by doing, training will equip you and your team with essential skills to identify, extricate, and prevent root causes from resurfacing, enabling a baseline for continuously raising the performance bar in your organization!

   We look forward to seeing you on June 26th!