SobekI, D: Understanding A3 Thinking: A Critical Component

Introduction A Basis for Managerial Effectiveness PDCA: Heart of the Toyota Way What Don't We Get? A System to Support PDCA Management 3A Thinking Seven Elements of 3A Thinking Element 1 : Logical Thinking Process Element 2: Objectivity Element 3: Results and Process Element 4: Synthesis, Distillation, and Visualization Element 5: Alignment Element 6: Coherency within and Consistency Across Element 7: Systems Viewpoint Practical Problem Solving Grasping the Current Situation Identifying the Root Cause Devising Countermeasures and Visualizing the Future State Creating an Implementation Plan Creating a Follow-up Plan Discussing with Affected Parties Obtaining Approval Executing the Implementation and Follow-up Plans The Problem-Solving 3A Report Storyline of the Problem-Solving 3A Theme Background Current Condition and Problem Statement Goal Statement Root-Cause Analysis Countermeasures Check/Confirmation of Effect Follow-up Actions Total Effect Reviewing Problem-solving 3As Your Turn Part : Write an 3A Part : Critique Your 3A The Proposal 3A Report Storyline of the Proposal 3A Theme Background Current Condition Analysis and Proposal Plan Details Unresolved Issues (Optional) Implementation Schedule Total Effect Proposal 3A Example Proposal 3A Example Reviewing Proposal 3As Discuss with Peer Group or Advisor Discuss with Affected Parties Obtain Approval Your Turn Part : Write a Proposal 3A Part : Review Your 3A The Status 3A Report Storyline of the Status 3A Theme Background Current Condition Results Unresolved Issues/Follow-up Actions Total Effect Status 3A Example Discuss with a Peer Group or Advisor Your Turn Notes on Form and Style Form Style Graphics Understand Your Data Use the Best Graph for the Data Label Properly Use as Little Ink as Possible Let the Graphic Talk Tables Supporting Structures Standard Templates Where to Start Handwritten versus Computer-Generated 3As Coaching Approval Storage and Retrieval Conclusion PDCA and Managerial Effectiveness