MG/IE 3400 Lab 2: Problem-Solving and Improvement
C-Term 2003
1. Introduction
In playing the TimeWise Simulation game last week, we discovered many problems with the existing
production system. The next step is to plan improvements to the process, by developing solutions that
overcome root causes of the problems that we have observed. To do this, we will be using the 7-Step
Problem-Solving Method developed by the Center for Quality Management as part of their CQM Quality
Improvement Toolkit.
2. Lab Schedule
In the third lab, we will spend the first hour working through the first few steps of the 7-step process, using
our experience in the TimeWise simulation. You will then spend the remainder of the lab ‘drilling down’ to
find root causes, and to develop potential solutions.
Table 1: Schedule for Lab Session #2
Activity
Duration
Introduction
45-60 Minutes
Prepare
Presentation:
Experimentation
Find Solutions
90 minutes
Details
The 7-Step Problem-Solving Process
Work in lab groups to develop specific
solutions, including
 Capacity estimates
 Takt Time
 Line balancing
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