Systematic Problem Solving
Do you have a problem that keeps coming back? Learn to understand the problem, find the root cause, and implement solutions that actually stick.
Format: 2 online meetings (2 x 2 h) + 1 month personal coaching.
Next course: 5 May & 9 June.
Interested in in-house training?
Who is this for?
This course is for you if you:
- See the same problems come up again and again, and want to stop them for good.
- Are not always sure what the real problem is, or where to focus your efforts.
- Want a structured method for understanding the problem, finding the root cause, and choosing solutions that work.
- Need tools to document problem solving in a clear and traceable way.
- Work with improvement, but miss a shared method that everyone can use.
"If you start in the wrong place, both the journey and the destination will be wrong." — Course participant
It starts with understanding the problem well enough, and making sure everyone is on the same page. After that, the rest almost takes care of itself.
What will you get out of this?
- Set the right focus: which metric do you want to improve, and what is the consequence of the problem today?
- Define a specific and measurable target, so you know when you have succeeded.
- Identify possible causes using 5 Whys, Fishbone, or process mapping, and prove which ones are actually driving the problem.
- Generate possible solutions, evaluate them, and create a concrete action plan.
- Ensure lasting results by following up and adjusting as needed.
- Personal feedback on your problem solving from the instructor.
- Course certificate upon completion.
What participants say
"I had no prior knowledge and got so much out of it. The course opened my eyes to how to work systematically with problem solving."
Course participant, Systematic problem solving
"How difficult it actually is to define a problem properly. If the start is wrong, both the path to the goal and the goal itself will be wrong. Having a recognised process for this makes it easier and less daunting to tackle."
Course participant, Systematic problem solving
"Great follow-up, relaxed and informal. It led to better discussions and helped me solve a real problem in my own organisation."
Course participant, Systematic problem solving
How the course works
- Online meeting 1 (2 hours): Introduction to the A3 method and systematic problem solving. You choose a real problem from your organisation and start working on understanding the problem and its possible causes.
- Between the meetings: You work through your problem using the A3 template and receive personal coaching along the way. This is where most of the learning happens.
- Online meeting 2 (2 hours): We review your A3 and you receive feedback from the instructor.
Choose a problem that is realistic to work on over one month. If you have not completed all the steps, we go through what you have done. You have access to support throughout the course period.
Online meeting 1: Introduction to systematic problem solving
- Prioritise and set the focus.
- Map the current situation.
- Set specific targets.
- Identify possible causes and prove the most important ones.
- Generate possible solutions and evaluate them.
- Implement actions.
- Ensure lasting results.
Online meeting 2: Feedback on your problem solving
There is approximately 1 month between the meetings, during which you work through a relevant problem using the A3 template and structured problem solving.
Choose a problem that is realistic to solve within 1 month. If you have not completed all the steps, we go through what you have done. You have access to support throughout the course period.
Practical information
Courses can be arranged on request and customized to your business needs.
Your own data can be used in examples and exercises.
Open courses are arranged according to the Course Calendar.
You can start e-learning when you want. You have access for a year and unlimited attempts to successfully complete multiple-choice exam.
Lunch, refreshments, and drinks during classroom training are included, and you receive a course completion certificate.
Location
Course location varies; check "Place" in Course Calendar.
Lean Tech is located at Kristoffer Robins vei 13 (0978 Oslo) and organizes courses here.
We have an agreement with Thon Hotels and organize courses in other locations as needed.
Registration
Instructor
Sissel Pedersen Lundeby is IASSC (International association for Six Sigma certification) accredited trainer associate:
"This accreditation publically reflects that you have met the standards established by IASSC such that those who participate in a training program led by you can expect to receive an acceptable level of knowledge..."
Sissel has a Master in Chemical Engineering and more than 20 years' experience within manufacturing and environmental technology. She has practiced Lean Six Sigma since 2002, completing Black Belt projects and certification through Cytec (2004) and IASSC (2017).
She use Lean Six Sigma to create measurable results and want her course participants to be successful improving their processes. That's why her training focus on practical application.
Feedback
"Inspiring, professionally competent, popularize a theoretical discipline"
Espen Fjeld, Commercial Director at Berendsen
"Academic highly skilled and clear performance. Fun and builds trust"
Jon Sørensen, Production Manager at Berendsen
"10/10 good at reaching everyone"
Erlend Stene, Sales leader at Berendsen
"Clear and well presented. Good at asking questions and listen (check understanding)"
Morten Bodding, Production Manager at Berendsen
"Made a difference, engaged and skilled"
- Participant from EWOS
"You are inspiring, positive and professionally skilled"
- Participant from EWOS
Anonymous feedback:
"Clear presentations and well explained"
"I thought it was very rich, with good examples that made me reflect"
Do I need prior knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma?
No. The course is suitable for anyone who wants to learn structured problem solving, regardless of background or experience.
How much time do I need to set aside?
The online meetings are fixed: 2 x 2 hours. How much time you spend solving your problem between the meetings will vary. Those who get the most out of the course are those who take the time to do the work properly — a thorough problem solving process now will save you months of firefighting later.
What kind of problem should I choose?
Choose a problem that is realistic to work on over one month and that matters to you or your team. It could be anything from long lead times to high scrap rates or inconsistent quality. You will get guidance on this in the first meeting.
What is included in the price?
2 online meetings, personal coaching for 1 month (questions by email to the instructor, response within one working day), A3 template, course materials, and course certificate.
What is the difference between Systematic Problem Solving and Yellow Belt?
Systematic Problem Solving is for you if you want to learn the method and get started quickly by solving a real problem in your own organisation. You receive a course certificate upon completion.
Yellow Belt includes the same online meetings, plus a 1-day classroom with Lego simulation and a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification. Choose Yellow Belt if you also want hands-on experience with Lean solutions and certification.
I have tried to improve processes before. Why will this work?
Because most improvement efforts stop at the symptom, not the root cause. The A3 method gives you a structured approach to finding and proving what is actually driving the problem, and making sure the solution holds over time.
What if I don't manage to solve the problem within one month?
It happens. You are working on a real problem in a busy working day, and we know that things come up. In the second meeting we go through what you have done, and you get guidance on next steps. Many participants complete their problem solving after the course.
Will this work for my industry?
The method works regardless of industry, because it is about processes, not products. We have participants from manufacturing, healthcare, construction, the public sector, and more. The problem you choose comes from your own everyday work.
Assignments
Contact info
Lean Tech AS | Kristoffer Robins vei 13
0047 481 23 070
Oslo, Norway
Lean
L - Look for solutions
E – Enthusiastic
A – Analytical
N - Never give up