Problem SolvingOverviewObjective of Problem SolvingSlide 4OODA LoopSlide 6Problem Solving ProcessSlide 8Slide 9Slide 10Slide 11Slide 12Slide 13Slide 14Slide 15Slide 16Slide 17Slide 18SummarySlide 20Problem SolvingProblem Solving•Objective of Problem Solving•OODA Loop•Problem Solving Process–Types of “problems”–8 StepsOverviewOverview•Objective–Help airmen focus on problem-solving skills that affect:•Mission•Workcenters•People–Approach aimed at:•Increasing combat capability•Making AF more effective & efficientObjective of Problem SolvingObjective of Problem SolvingObjective of Problem SolvingObjective of Problem Solving•Remove Waste and Inefficiencies•Increase:–Productivity–Asset Availability•Improve:–Response Time and Agility–Energy Efficiency•Sustain Safe and Reliable Operations•Originated by Col John Boyd (USAF)•A.K.A. “Decision Cycle”•“Forty-Second Boyd”–Begin from disadvantaged position–Defeat any pilot < 40 sec.OODA LoopOODA Loop•Four Overlapping & Interacting Processes–Observe: Current Situation & Form Theories–Orient: Set Improvement Targets & Determine Root Causes–Decide: Develop Solutions–Act: Implement & EvaluateOODA LoopOODA LoopProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•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 implementProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•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 CustomerProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•Step 2: Breakdown Problem/ID Gaps–Gather & Review Key Data–Six Characteristics of Metrics (B-SMART)•Balanced•Specific•Measurable•Attainable•Results Focused•TimelyProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•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 valueProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•Step 3: Set Improvement Targets–Strategic: Visions of what the organization strives to become–Tactical: Define performance level necessary to make strategic vision a realityProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•Step 4: Determine Root Cause–Most vital step–Avoid efforts directed towards symptoms–Find deepest point (root) w/in sphere of influence–Brainstorm•Quantity, not quality•Hitchhike/Piggyback ideas•Make list: record ideas•Mitigate barriers (habit, fear, inertia, & prejudice)Problem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•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 AnalysisProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•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 & ownershipProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•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 trainingProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•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 necessaryProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•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 or OODAProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving Process•Objective of Problem Solving•OODA Loop•Problem Solving Process–Forms–8 StepsSummarySummaryProblem Solving ProcessProblem Solving