ABSTRACT
Before we can begin to truly analyze and solve a problem, we really have to define, describe, and appraise the problem in simple terms everyone is familiar with and understands. This is an important first step because all of the work that follows will be focused on solving and correcting the problem as we have defined it. In a change-related problem, our primary tool is a trend or run chart, while in a launch-related problem we utilize Pareto charts or matrices as a means of comparison. Of course, in a hybrid type problem, we use both the run chart and the Pareto chart. Develop a problem statement. The final step in the definition of the problem is to develop a problem statement that incorporates all of the information we have just developed into a single statement that fully describes the problem we are trying to solve.
