Problem Statements
Presenter: Dan Markovitz, Markovitz Consulting
Charles Kettering said that a problem well-stated is a problem half solved. But what constitutes a “well-stated problem”? Most problem solving methodologies (A3, 8D, DMAIC, etc.) don’t spend much time defining what a quality problem statement looks like, and as a result, improvement efforts all too often flounder on the rocks of poorly framed problems. This session will highlight the four most common defects in problem statements, so that you can ensure your improvement efforts are launched on the right trajectory. We’ll pay special attention to the critical importance of word choice in defining the problem at hand.
Please note that this session is a virtual workshop, and NOT simply a talking head webinar. We’ll use exercises and small group discussion to enrich learning, which you won’t be able to experience if you stream it later.
About Dan Markovitz
Dan Markovitz makes organizations more profitable by improving operations and execution. He has worked with clients throughout the US and Europe. Past clients have included Microsoft, WL Gore, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, CamelBak, Clif Bar, Goodyear Tire, and dozens of smaller companies.
He is a faculty member at the Lean Enterprise Institute and teaches at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, the Stanford Continuing Studies Program, and the Ohio State University’s Fisher School of Business.
Dan is a dynamic speaker who has keynoted at conferences around the world and spoken at numerous Fortune 500 companies. His two earlier books—A Factory of One and Building the Fit Organization—were both honored with Shingo Research Awards. His new book, The Conclusion Trap, about better problem solving, just came out in May.
Markovitz lived in Japan for four years and is fluent in Japanese. He holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
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Questions? Contact Laurie Spadaro at [email protected] or at 614-292-4209.
If you require an accommodation such as live captioning or interpretation to participate in this event, please contact Anna Morris at [email protected]. Requests made 10 days prior to the event will generally allow us to provide seamless access, but the university will make every effort to meet all submitted requests.