In any business, decision-making and problem-solving skills and are vitally important to making positive forward progress. Unfortunately, we all experience barriers associated with making decisions and solving problems. These barriers may include: time or resource constraints, communication differences, cumbersome processes, tunnel vision or a lack of creative ideas. Solving problems often becomes burdensome in the wake of daily tasks and organizations commonly apply quick-fixes rather than long term solutions. Providing employees with a common language and tools for addressing issues can significantly change the way problems are viewed and eventually resolved.
This paper will discuss the implementation of formalized problem resolution methods within an organization. It will demonstrate the value of a common language across multiple functions. It will also provide case studies showcasing the results of implementing a decision-making/problem-solving tool. Case studies will focus on situation analysis to smoothly implement new product into production; decision analysis to bring a product solution to a customer foundry, and problem solving to identify foundry process issues impacting casting results.