Step

Theme

Description

Step 0:

Identify Problem or Need

· Background knowledge of problem

· Context for full understanding

· Level of importance of problem

Step 1:

Understand the Current Situation

· Observe work processes first-hand

· Document observations

· Diagram how the work is currently done

· Quantify magnitude of the problem

Step 2:

Root Cause Analysis

· List the problem(s)

· Most likely direct (root) cause

· Five why process

Step 3:

Countermeasures

· Identify changes needed

· Eliminate loops, workarounds, and delays

· Create clear connections to solutions

Step 4:

Develop the Target State

· How work will get done after applying countermeasures

· Diagram created to illustrate new proposed process

· Expected improvement should be predicted specifically and quantitatively

Step 5:

Implementation Plan

· List the actions needed to put in place countermeasures

· List individuals responsible for each task

· Due dates put in place

Step 6:

Follow-up Plan

· Verify the understanding of current condition

· Make sure implementation plan was executed, target condition realized, and the expected results are achieved

Step 7:

Discuss with All Affected Parties

· Communicate with all partied affected by the implementation

· Build consensus throughout the project

Step 8:

Get Approval

· Obtain approval from the correct authority figure

Step 9:

Implementation

· Execute the implementation plan as prepared

Step 10:

Evaluate the Results

· Measure the actual results

· Compare results to the predicted outcomes

· When differences are present, modify the process and repeat the implementation until the goal is met