ABSTRACT
The question of how the training of beginning technicians can be improved was the starting point of the research described in this article. A method for structured troubleshooting is often a time consuming and difficult activity. The questioned method of troubleshooting presented has resulted in more practice-oriented and job-oriented training. The method has been systematically evaluated. The results show that technicians trained in structured troubleshooting solve twice as many malfunctions, in less time, than those trained in the traditional way. Moreover, the traditional training can be shortened by 33% without loss in troubleshooting performance. Finally, technicians learn to troubieshoot in an explicit and uniform way. These advantages of structured troubleshooting ultimately lead to a reduction in training and troubleshooting costs.
