Solving Problems
with A3 Thinking

A3 Problem Solving Training

Our A3 problem solving training course helps organisations move away from reactive firefighting and develop a structured approach to solving problems. Using proven lean methodologies, this course teaches participants how to analyse root causes, apply data-driven thinking and implement sustainable improvements.

Duration: 2 days
Location: You can take part in this hands-on training at one of our regional venues – or we can tailor the course specifically for on-site delivery at your business premises.

Who is the course for?

The training is ideal for anyone who wants to solve and eradicate problems in their organisation, regardless of their role or level.

It’s especially useful for leaders and first-line managers who want to improve their abilities to lead and coach their teams to effectively solve problems.

The course will benefit you and your organisation if:

You see recurring problems within your business
You and your team spend time reacting to issues and rarely get time to study and resolve them for the long term
Your organisation lacks a structured approach to solving problems
You wish more people had time to invest in preventative problem-solving by learning from the problems and then sharing that learning with others

Course objectives

Our Solving Problems with A3 Thinking training will teach you:

The concepts of structured and practical problem-solving
The importance of using data and facts when solving problems
How to use and apply the 7 Quality Tools to capture data
How to create a visual storyboard using A3 thinking

Course outline

The importance of culture, welcoming problems and how team composition unlocks critical thinking
The definition of a problem and how to clearly define a problem
Basic problem-solving models and how they’re connected
The 7 Quality Tools and when to use them
The importance of Go, Look, See, and questioning
Identifying the three types of cause and how to differentiate them
What a containment action is – and how it can protect a customer
Common mistakes when using the 5 Whys technique
How to ensure effective countermeasures are deployed
The need for process confirmation
Sharing the learning and celebrating success

By the end of the training, you’ll be able to:

Welcome mistakes as opportunities and have confidence in decision-making by following a scientific method of problem-solving
Understand how the A3 system of problem management and escalation can improve your organisation and how it performs
Avoid the pitfalls of jumping to solutions
Follow a structured, disciplined problem-solving process in your organisation
Develop root cause analysis (RCA) and A3 thinking to reduce firefighting and workarounds

What’s included in the course fee?

Access to globally recognised lean coaches
All copies of materials, worksheets and handouts – electronically
Entry-level knowledge for you to progress to Lean Competency System Levels 1a and 1b

“As someone who is not involved in technical quality issues, I have learned a lot. Stuart patiently answered all my questions, and together we tried to adapt problem-solving methods to HR issues. I have gained a great deal of knowledge. Stuart is an amazing trainer, and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

Karolina Chatzimargioti, HR Business Partner, Oxford Instruments Plasma Technology

Pricing

£785 + VAT per person (contact us for details of discounts for multiple participants and our payment plans).

A3 Problem Solving Training in the UK

Our A3 problem solving training (delivered at regional locations in the UK) supports organisations looking to improve operational performance and embed structured problem-solving methods across teams.

Based outside the UK? Contact us for details on how we can run a bespoke version of this course at your location.