Process Problem Solving: A Guide for Maintenance and Operations Teams (Teach Employees Problem-Solving Tools and Techniques to Incr)

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Summary: Process Problem Solving
Review: The primary obstacle to effective problem solving in any environment is that the people that need to be involved are not problem solving experts. Most have not been trained in the use of the basic problem solving tools nor trained in a structured problem solving process. Process Problem Solving provides an overview of these basic tools, with examples of their use, and an explanation of a logical problem solving process. The author also discusses typical problem solving traps that present obstacles whenever there is a problem to be resolved. Throughout the text, the author sprinkles "Problem Solving Truths" which are intended to reinforce key concepts and serve as learning aids.

Incorporating a variety of learning aids, Process Problem Solving encourages the reader to learn the concepts presented. Sproull uses the "learn, then apply" approach by beginning each chapter with "What You should Learn in this Chapter" to emphasize the major concepts to be presented. In each chapter, Sproull has incorporated illustrations, charts, and examples to explain the concepts in practical terms that may easily be transferred into practice. Each chapter concludes with a problem assignment, to provide practice in applying the concepts, and "What did you learn" which prompts the reader to express what has been learned.

After discussing the tools, their use and application, and the problem solving process, Sproull introduces the "Problem Analysis Flow (PAF) Chart" in Chapter 6. This chart is a new tool for use through the problem solving process. It guides the user through the process in a logical manner. When the PAF Chart is complete, the user should have all the necessary information necessary for corrective action.

The problem solving examples provided in the main text are supplemented by four case studies in the Appendix. Each case study contains a complete discussion of the problem solving process from the discovery of the problem through its analysis, using the PAF Chart supplemented by the tools described in the text, to its resolution. These case studies provide practical examples of the tools, techniques and concepts presented by the author.

Process Problem Solving is a practical text for learning and applying a practical problem solving process. Although intended for a manufacturing setting, the principles, tools, and techniques are equally applicable in a service industry. This book recommended for managers, process engineers, quality managers and others involved in training problem solving methods or the resolution of process problems.

Rating:
Summary: Process Problem Solving
Review: The primary obstacle to effective problem solving in any environment is that the people that need to be involved are not problem solving experts. Most have not been trained in the use of the basic problem solving tools nor trained in a structured problem solving process. Process Problem Solving provides an overview of these basic tools, with examples of their use, and an explanation of a logical problem solving process. The author also discusses typical problem solving traps that present obstacles whenever there is a problem to be resolved. Throughout the text, the author sprinkles "Problem Solving Truths" which are intended to reinforce key concepts and serve as learning aids.

Incorporating a variety of learning aids, Process Problem Solving encourages the reader to learn the concepts presented. Sproull uses the "learn, then apply" approach by beginning each chapter with "What You should Learn in this Chapter" to emphasize the major concepts to be presented. In each chapter, Sproull has incorporated illustrations, charts, and examples to explain the concepts in practical terms that may easily be transferred into practice. Each chapter concludes with a problem assignment, to provide practice in applying the concepts, and "What did you learn" which prompts the reader to express what has been learned.

After discussing the tools, their use and application, and the problem solving process, Sproull introduces the "Problem Analysis Flow (PAF) Chart" in Chapter 6. This chart is a new tool for use through the problem solving process. It guides the user through the process in a logical manner. When the PAF Chart is complete, the user should have all the necessary information necessary for corrective action.

The problem solving examples provided in the main text are supplemented by four case studies in the Appendix. Each case study contains a complete discussion of the problem solving process from the discovery of the problem through its analysis, using the PAF Chart supplemented by the tools described in the text, to its resolution. These case studies provide practical examples of the tools, techniques and concepts presented by the author.

Process Problem Solving is a practical text for learning and applying a practical problem solving process. Although intended for a manufacturing setting, the principles, tools, and techniques are equally applicable in a service industry. This book recommended for managers, process engineers, quality managers and others involved in training problem solving methods or the resolution of process problems.