BUS4101 WK4 Project

Quality Tools For Problem Solving

Different quality tools are available for solving problems. Depending on the type of a problem, an

organization can select the appropriate tool.

PDCA Cycle

The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, includes four stages: plan, do, check, and act. The “plan” stage is

needed to determine the goals and objectives of the problem-solving process. The “do” stage is important for implementing the solution. The “check” stage is needed to check the outcome of the

solution against the planned goals and objectives. Finally, the “act” stage is needed to implement the

complete solution or to make the required adjustments to the solution. The PDCA cycle can be used in

solving almost all types of problems.

Flowchart

A �owchart depicts the basic �ow of information in a process. It is used to chart the inputs, steps,

functions, out�ows, and timings of a process. Flowcharts are useful in a brainstorming session, where the participants can look at the �ow of process information, determine if there are speci�c problems in

the process, and then provide suggestions for potential solutions to the problems.

Survey

A survey can be useful in obtaining relevant feedback from internal and external customers. Internal

customers may provide feedback on products, services, and processes, while external customers may

offer feedback on a speci�c issue relative only to the consumption or utilization of a product or a

service.

Each tool for problem solving purposes is applicable in a different area.  See the Supplemental Material entitled “Problem Solving Examples” to lean about scenarios in which each of these tools would be

effective. 

Additional Materials

View a PDF transcript of Problem Solving Examples 

(media/week4/SUO_BUS4101%20W4%20L2%20Problem%20Solving%20Examples.pdf?

_&d2lSessionVal=83vkmmrsczcH8ATfvgTLx0emF&ou=90832)

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