Key Improvement Tools

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The module in a nutshell

At the heart of any improvement activity are a set of basic tools, generic to most – if not all – problem-solving situations. Commonly known as ‘the Seven Basic Tools of Quality’, these tools have stood the test of time and yet are still misunderstood and misapplied by many.

This module introduces the core set of tools that can be used individually or as teams to crack the back of one-off or recurring problems in the workplace, office or shop floor. It is an ideal companion module to several other of the PTP suites, such as ‘Problem solving with 8D’, ‘SMED’, ‘Drive out waste’, ‘Advanced improvement tools’.

The tools presented in this module enable objective, structured thinking focussed on getting past the symptoms of an issue and identifying the root causes. They promote team working and therefore engage the true potential of the process stakeholders.

The aim and outcomes of the module

The aim of the module is to enable the participants to use the basic tools of problem solving in a structured and appropriate way to identify root causes of issues.

After completing this module participants will be able to:

• select and apply a set of tools appropriately
• participate in problem solving teams effectively
• make objective decisions about solution selection

Who Key improvement tools is for

Key improvement tools is for members of improvement and problem solving team members and for project team facilitators. Anyone tasked with fixing processes, reducing leadtimes and costs of poor quality will benefit from this module.

What’s in Key improvement tools

The module delivers the learning points using exercises and – if in-house – can be applied to existing problems.

Participants will learn to use:

• cause and effect diagrams
• the 5 Whys
• check sheets
• Pareto analysis
• histograms
• scatter plots
• basic control charts

In addition, participants will learn some fundamentals of working as a team, to maximize the potential of the tools.

Important other information

Duration: Key improvement tools lasts for one day and can be used by itself or in combination with other modules in the Process Transformation Programme.

Location: Ideally a room close to the workplace of participants, though it can be run off-site effectively.

In common with other modules in the Process Transformation Programme the module is designed to run successfully with between 8 to 16 participants.

Price: As a stand-alone module, £2,500 inclusive of all materials. This price does not include expenses which are charged at cost.

Contact for more information:

Karen Dunn
Burge Hughes Walsh
Suite 13b
Castle Mound Way
Central Park
Rugby CV23 0UZ

Telephone: 01788 550015
email: kdunn@burgehugheswalsh.co.uk