There are two parts to this assignment.

Part 1: Cause and Effect Analysis

1. Review the draft of your problem from Module 1.
2. Develop a fishbone diagram outlining the related causes and effects of your problem, based on your readings for this module.
   • Note: The fishbone diagram must be produced in a software program such as Microsoft Word or Excel, not hand-drawn. There are templates readily available online, if you search for terms like "fishbone diagram template" or "cause-and-effect template." Some free and easy-to-use fishbone templates are available at iSixSigmaLinks to an external site.and at Microsoft Online.
   • The following template is also available from ASQ: Cause and Effect /Ishikawa diagramLinks to an external site.
3. Write a 1-page explanation of the cause-and-effect analysis technique, describe its role in the problem-solving process, and describe your findings and key points after creating your own fishbone diagram (i.e., make note of the main causes of the problem). Both the diagram and the 1-page explanation must be submitted in the assignment.

• • Note:See the multimedia presentationCause and Effect: Fishbone DiagrammingLinks to an external site.for guidance in your work.

Part 2: Problem Restatement and Definition

1. Review the draft of the problem statement you developed in Module 1.
2. In about 2-3 pages, address the following:
3. Explain the importance of defining and framing a problem correctly.
4. Demonstrate the use of the problem statement testing technique or another technique for framing and defining your problem statement.
5. Test your problem statement by using the following 5 problem restatement techniques by Jones (1998) and/or techniques described in the Eleven Ways to Restate Problems to Get Better SolutionsLinks to an external site. from this module's reading material.
   1. Paraphrase: Restate the problem using different words. What is really the issue?
   2. 180 Degrees: Turn the problem completely around. What is the opportunity here?
   3. Broadening the Focus: Restate the problem in a larger context. How is the problem part of the bigger picture?
   4. Redirection: Change the overall focus of the problem. What does it look like from another perspective?
   5. Why Ask Why: Review the original problem, ask why again, and then answer that question. Keep on asking "why" again as necessary. What's at the bottom of the problem, underlying everything?
      • Note:Access and view the multimedia presentationProblem RestatementLinks to an external site.for guidance in your work.
6. Conclusion: End your paper with 2-3 paragraphs, including the following items:
   1. Final problem statement: Restate your problem in a final form and in one sentence. Phrase the problem as a "How..." question (as in "How can we improve quality?" or "How can we reduce patient waiting times in the doctor's office?").
   2. Clarification of changes: Note whether or not the changes in your problem statement are based on the application of the restatement process. If your problem statement did change, justify why and how you changed it.
   3. Newly discovered problem knowledge: State what you discovered through the problem restatement process that may require further investigation or research.

Organization of the Paper

For submission, organize all of your work into a single document using this outline and the appropriate section headings (indicated below in bold font).

1. Introduction: A brief introduction and recap of the problem background.
2. Cause-and-Effect Analysis: Include your written discussion of the cause-and-effect analysis followed by your fishbone diagram.
3. Problem Restatement and Definition: Include an explanation of what this process involves, why it is important in the problem-solving process, and explain the steps you used to write and re-write the problem statement to arrive at the final, well-defined problem statement.
4. Final Problem Statement: Phrased as an active "how" question.
5. Conclusion: Write concluding remarks to this paper.

Workplace Problem 1-1 In a manufacturing company, the objective is to consistently produce high quality products expectations. However, recent months have revealed a pattern of varying product quality, leading to customer dissatisfaction and financial loss due to late shipments and returns. It was observed that product defects often spike toward large demands and frequent equipment downtime. Indicating potential issues in process efficiency and equipment maintenance, which disrupt production schedules. The primary problem is an inconsistency in product quality due to unreliable machinery performance and inadequate process management, resulting in increased defects and customer dissatisfaction.

The workplace problem I chose is inconsistent product quality, leading to customer dissatisfaction, financial losses, and increased product defects during high demand. Root causes include equipment downtime and inefficient process management, disrupting production schedules and affecting customer satisfaction.

I can apply the effective solution formula (Es= Q x A) to resolve my workplace problem. the key stakeholders are production team, maintenance team, quality assurance team, managers, customers and the suppliers. The desired solution quality is high, as achieving consistent product quality is critical to restoring customer trust, reducing financial losses, and maintaining the company's market position. The solution must address root causes effectively, including equipment maintenance schedules, operator training, and increase process.

Achieving acceptance across all stakeholder groups is essential. The level of acceptance is currently assessed as medium, as resistance may arise from employees adapting to new processes or management hesitating to allocate resources. Efforts must focus on engaging stakeholders through transparent communication, involvement in solution design, and clear demonstration of long-term benefits. By focusing on high quality solutions and fostering acceptance through engagement, the organization can achieve consistent product quality and operational efficiency.

Introduction

Develop a fishbone diagram(insert here)

Problem Restatement Definition

Paraphrase

180 Degrees

Broadening the Focus

Redirection

Why ask Why (restate and ask five time)

My final problem statements is...(phrased as an active "how" question)

Conclusion