Five-Step Problem-Solving Cycle

1

DEFINE THE PROBLEM

What is wrong? (be specific — use numbers) How often does it happen? What is the impact? (cost / time / quality / safety) Complete the problem statement:

"[What's wrong] causes [impact] and affects [scope/when/where] "

2

FIND THE ROOT CAUSE

Tool(s) used:

☐ 5 Whys ☐ Fishbone Diagram ☐ Pareto Chart ☐ 5W2H ☐ Other:

Root cause identified: How did you verify it?

3

DEVELOP SOLUTIONS

Options considered (brainstorm at least 3):

1.

2.

3.

Selected solution and why:

4

IMPLEMENT AND TEST

Pilot test scope (where / when / how long):

Baseline metric before change:

Result after pilot:

% Improvement:

Did it work? ☐ Yes — proceed to Step 5 ☐ No — return to Step 2

5

STANDARDIZE AND SUSTAIN

Work instruction / procedure updated Date:

Training completed for all affected staff Date:

Visual reminder posted Location:

Monitoring plan in place Review frequency:

Next improvement opportunity identified:

Five-Step Problem-Solving Cycle Worksheet