Can I get this done by 6pm
5/16/2019 A3 Process - Durward K. Sobek II | Montana State University www.montana.edu/dsobek/a3/ 1/2 A 3 P ro cess A 3 N avig atio n Home [/dsobek/a3/index.html] Steps [/dsobek/a3/steps.html] Report [/dsobek/a3/report.html] Case Study [/dsobek/a3/casestudy .html] Grant [/dsobek/a3/iocgrant/index.html] What is it ?Toyota Motor Corporation is famed for its ability to relentlessly improve operational performance. Central to this ability is the training of engineers, supervisors and managers in a structured problemsolving approach that uses a tool called the A3 ProblemSolving Report. W e have adapted the approach by articulating ten steps to proceed from problem identification to resolution in a fashion that fosters learning, collaboration, and personal development. The problemsolver records the results of investigation and planning in a concise, twopage document (the A3 Report, also adapted from T oyota) that facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The term "A3" derives from the paper size used for the report, which is the metric equivalent to 11" x 17" (or Bsized) paper . Toyota actually uses several styles of A3 reportsfor solving problems, for reporting project status, and for proposing policy changeseach having its own "storyline." W e have focused on the problemsolving report simply because it is the most basic style, making it the best starting point.
Why u se it ?
Most problems that arise in organizations are addressed in superficial ways, what some call "firstorder problemsolving." That is, we work around the problem to accomplish our immediate objective, but do not address the root causes of the problem so as to prevent its recurrence. By not addressing the root cause, we encounter the same problem or same type of problem again and again, and operational performance does not improve.
The A3 Process helps people engage in collaborative, indepth problemsolving. It drives problemsolvers to address the root causes of problems which surface in daytoday work routines. The A3 Process can be used for almost any situation, and our research has found that, when used properly (i.e., all of the steps are followed and completed), the chances of success improve dramatically .
To learn more about this powerful problemsolving methodology , click the buttons on the right to learn about: The steps of the A3 process, with examples The A3 Report (including a downloadable template) A case study from a hospital Some of our research from a National Science Foundation grant. Throughout, we provide examples from an actual problemsolving exercise where the team used the A3 Process and A3 Report to decrease patient transport time from an average of 45 minutes to under 10 minutes. 5/16/2019 A3 Process - Durward K. Sobek II | Montana State University www.montana.edu/dsobek/a3/ 2/2 (http://cms.msu.montana.edu/10?skin=oucampus&account=MSUBozeman&site=SobekDurward&action=de&path=/a3/index.pcf) Your comments and feedback and any questions are most welcome. Please send them to: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] . Funding for this work was provided by National Science Foundation grant #01 15352. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Durward K. Sobek II, PhD Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Montana State University P.O. Box 173800 Bozeman, MT 597173800 Contact:
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