5 Whys is one of the simple and widely used tools to solve everyday work-related problems. It is so simple that can be completed without the need for sophisticated statistics. It is often used by Six Sigma practitioners mainly in the Analysis phase of the DMAIC methodology. It is also used by Lean practitioners to identify and eliminate wasteful activities.
Read more »Why-Why Diagram
5 Whys is most effective when used to solve simple problems with a single root cause. Oftentimes, a problem is the result of multiple causes occurring together. Each cause is the result of a further cause or multiple causes. Each time you ask why, there might be more than one answer. Such hierarchical structure of potential causes can be represented in a fishbone diagram or a tree diagram called the Why-Why Diagram.
Read more »5 Whys
5 Whys is one of the common techniques for problem-solving and root cause analysis. It is also one of the simplest techniques and easiest to put into practice. It is used in everyday business situations to identify the possible causes underlying a specific problem. It was introduced and made popular by Toyota as part of their Toyota Production System, and it is now widely used within Lean and Six Sigma frameworks.
Read more »A3 Thinking
As a leader, a big part of your job is to solve problems as they come. There are many approaches and tools that can help in the area of problem solving which is the driving force behind continuous improvement. They range from the more complex Six Sigma methodologies to the simple A3 thinking approach.
Read more »PDCA Template
PDCA is a four-step model that provides a simple and structured way for problem solving. It serves as an effective and practical tool to encourage continuous improvement and facilitate productivity and efficiency. It has an easy to remember four logical sequenced steps (Plan, Do, Check and Act). This template provides a simple way to plan and monitor your project activities using the PDCA model.
Read more »Fishbone Diagram Template
A fishbone diagram is an effective tool to help presenting cause-and-effect in an easy and understandable format. It is also referred to as cause-and-effect diagram and Ishikawa diagram. This fishbone diagram template will help you add the potential causes for a specific effect or problem. You can then plan and implement actions to address the key causes.
Read more »Time Value Map Template
A time value map is a tool for representing the value-added and non-value-added time in a process. In a time value map, all activities are plotted as bars proportional to their time values along a horizontal timeline. Only value-added activities are plotted above the timeline and everything else is plotted below the timeline. This time value map template can be used to monitor how much time is wasted in any process.
Read more »RACI Matrix Template
A RACI matrix is used to clarify the connections between stakeholders and activities related to a project or process. It is widely used in project management and business process management. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed. A completed RACI matrix serves as the guiding document that every stakeholder will refer to when needed.
Read more »SWOT Analysis Template
The aim of SWOT analysis is to understand the internal and external factors influencing the performance of a business, now and in the future. SWOT simply stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The outcome of any SWOT analysis workshop should provide the basis for further analysis and action. It should allow the business to capitalize on the strengths, take advantage of the opportunities, while minimizing the impact of the weaknesses and threats.
Read more »PESTLE Analysis Template
The aim of PESTLE analysis is to understand how macro-environmental factors affect the performance of an organization, then take appropriate actions to adapt to the changing environment. It brings together six external perspectives that serve as useful input into the strategic planning process of an organization. These six perspectives are: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and environmental external factors.
Read more »PEST Analysis
PEST analysis is a strategic and structured tool for evaluating the external environment of an organization. It allows any organization to understand the macro-environmental factors that affect its performance and its ability to grow. The aim is to understand how those external factors will affect the business, then take appropriate actions to adapt to the changing environment. PEST analysis is often linked with SWOT analysis, and both tools complement each other and are often used together.
Read more »Affinity Diagram Template
An affinity diagram is used in situations where you needed to organize many ideas or information to make sense of them. It is commonly used to capture and group the output of brainstorming sessions in order to organize the generated ideas. There are many applications and online services that allow the construction of affinity diagrams. However, this template is pretty simple and straightforward where you can create simple customizable affinity diagrams.
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