Course Information

A3 Problem-Solving Training

Learners will be able to:

Apply the A3 problem-solving method in a team setting.
Use the dynamic A3 visual reporting approach to communicate progress and results.
Leverage lessons learned to similar processes.

About This Course

What is A3 Problem-Solving?

A3 Problem-Solving, like 8D and DMAIC Problem-Solving is a step-wise problem-solving process based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. What makes A3 Problem-Solving unique is the simple, concise visual reporting structure coupled with a focus on communicating the status and progress of solving a problem throughout the process. The on-going reporting format is succinct and literally fits onto an A3 size of paper (11″ x 17″). The A3 Report is essentially a storyboard that concisely displays the A3 Team’s thought process, discoveries and action taken in real-time graphical form.

Give Your A3 Problem-Solving Teams the Tools They Need

This training will equip A3 Problem-Solving Team members with the tools and process to solve problems using the A3 approach. Similar to most problem-solving models, A3 Problem-Solving is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. In addition to detailed instruction on each of the nine steps of the A3 process, learners follow an actual A3 project throughout the course of the training. This helps bring the concepts to life and enables participants to see how the tools, techniques and process will work with their own projects. Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be ready to work on A3 Problem-Solving teams.

Price: See Pricing

Type of Course: Master Course (1 Training Credit/Learner)

Certificate of Completion: Yes

Continuing Education Units: 0.5 CEU’s/RU’s

Time to Complete: Approximately 5.0 Hours

Audience: All Levels in the Organization

Prerequisites:

None.

Languages:

English (EN-US)
Chinese (simplified) (ZH)
Czech (CS)
French (FR)
German (DE)
Italian (IT)
Japanese (no audio) (JA)
Korean (no audio) (KO)
Polish (PL)
Portuguese (Brazilian) (PT-BR)
Romanian RO)
Russian (RU)
Spanish (ES)
Vietnamese (no audio) (VI)

Course Objectives

Understand how the A3 approach and the PDCA cycle are linked.
Learn how to use the A3 model to solve problems.
Apply the appropriate problem-solving tools throughout the problem-solving process.
Know how to effectively use the visual reporting and communication aspects of the A3 approach.

Print This Outline

Course Outline

Lesson 1 | A3 & PDCA

Realize that the A3 Problem-Solving is based on the PDCA cycle.
Understand the similarities and differences between the A3, 8D and DMAIC problem-solving approaches.
Recognize how the A3 reporting structure provides a compelling visual means of tracking and communicating the progress of addressing a problem.

Lesson 2 | Plan: A3 Steps 1-6

Know how to clarify and validate the problem.
Be able to use data to identify the performance shortfall and where in the process is it falling short.
Understand how to contain “harm” and stabilize the process for the short-term.
Recognize how to establish a target for the future state.
Appreciate how to use tools and techniques to identify the root cause.
Understand how to develop countermeasures to the root cause.

Lesson 3 | Do: A3 Step 7

Understand how to develop Action Plans using either Simple or Complex Action Plans formats.
Learn how to use Project Management tools such as Activity Plans, PERT Charts and Gantt Charts to develop Action Plans to manage and track execution of the countermeasure.

Lesson 4 | Check: A3 Step 8

Confirm that the countermeasure will do what it was intended to do under all reasonable conditions.
Use techniques to ensure the problem does not recur.
Remove unnecessary “Contain & Stabilize” measures.

Lesson 5 | Act: A3 Step 9

Know which associated documents and systems to update.
Recognize how powerful it can be to share Lessons Learned Remove candidates that are not practical, feasible or cost-effective from consideration.

Lesson 6 | Helpful Tips

To be aware of ten tips that can help A3 Teams be effective and efficient when conducting A3 Projects.

Challenge

An assessment of the learner’s progress in this course.

4.7 out of 5 stars

Comments from Learners About This Course

Very good course. I really like the layout. I learned a lot.
Tough but very informative!
Effective as compared to other online courses. Maybe a bit advanced for some of our team.
Excellent format, very complete, and loved the challenge. Thank you!
Very good fundamental instruction on the A3 process. I had not heard of this process before, and look forward to being able to use it in the future.
Great content and great tool, very useful!