Re: 7-Step Problem Solving LO2613

Barry Mallis (bmallis@quickmail.markem.com)
29 Aug 1995 07:59:10 -0400

Replying to LO2605 --

Myrna, you're right. The 7 Step Method has, as it's first step, "Theme
Selection". To some this may appear deceptively simple. However, as you
have experienced, theme selection may require sifting through
non-quantitative data from ostensibly disparate sources.

So after sensing the problem at the level of THOUGHT, one moves to the
level of EXPERIENCE by exploring manifestations of the problem.

>From experiential input (we'll call it Data 1) one moves back to the
level of THOUGHT, formulating the problem so as to be able to Select the
Theme, the first of the Seven Steps.

The KJ is one TQ tool to use for Theme Selection (at the "Level of
Thought") when qualitative data is broad in scope. From Theme Selection,
we go back to the level of experience by collecting data ("data 2"), Step
2 of the seven. And so on.

I have described the so-called "W-V Model" of Shoji Shiba. The name comes
from the physical depiction of this stepping up and down from level of
thought to level of experience as the (7) steps of the problem solving
method are followed.

To use your word, Myrna, the "fragmentation" of data is overcome by
application of useful tools which help focus. Please keep in mind that
practitioners mustn't solve world hunger; iterative improvement is the
goal of application. Step-by-step, teams or individuals can resolve
problems and demonstrate continuous improvement.

I hope this has been of value.

--
Best regards,
Barry Mallis
Total Quality Resource Manager
MARKEM Corporation
Keene, NH 03431
bmallis@markem.com
tel 603 352-1130 ext. 2578