Tool: Force Field Analysis Usage: Identifying factors that can support or hinder a potential solution. Understanding these factors and using strategies to reduce barriers can increase the chances of the solution being successfully implemented.  Force Field Analysis is a useful tool to identify the factors that can support or hinder a change or solution prior to

Tool: Process Mapping Usage: Visualising and understanding what happens in a process (for service/process redesign)  Process mapping involves developing a simple visual picture or map of a process. It is a relatively simple tool that can help the team understand how the various parts of a process fit together, and improve its overall functioning. When to

Tool: Pareto  Usage: Identifying the causes that have the greatest impact on a problem, which assists with determining where to focus an improvement effort Pareto analysis is a simple technique that uses a bar graph to diagrammatically show the causes that have the greatest impact on a problem. This process helps to focus improvement efforts on the

Tool: Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram (Cause & Effect) Usage: Exploring and determining factors that cause or influence a problem (cause and effect)  The Fishbone Diagram is a visual tool used to explore the factors that influence or cause a problem, in order to help understand the problem more clearly. The tool gets its name from its inventor, Kauro

Tool: 5 Whys Usage: Defining a problem (determining the root cause)  The Five Whys helps to identify the root cause of a problem and is a simple, yet powerful tool. The technique originated within Toyota while developing their manufacturing methodologies, and is a key component of their problem solving training. Asking the question ‘why?’ repeatedly (five

Tool: Affinity Diagram Usage: Organising and categorising ideas  An Affinity Diagram is a method for organising ideas into clear patterns or themes, based on their natural relationships. It encourages people to think creatively and make non-traditional connections between ideas, promoting greater ownership of results by allowing breakthroughs to emerge naturally. An Affinity Diagram can be used at

Tool: Brainstorming Usage: Generating Ideas Brainstorming is an activity used to generate creative ideas and can be done individually or as a group. It is not effective as an analytical or decision making tool. After defining the topic for the brainstorming session, come up with as many spontaneous ideas as possible and write them down.