A3 Problem Solving

Programme Summary

Use a concise visual problem solving record to connect business context, evidence and action. Participants analyse a defined process gap, develop a measurable target and test countermeasures against demonstrated causes. The course strengthens coaching and stakeholder dialogue, helping teams produce an A3 that explains their reasoning and supports follow through rather than simply filling a reporting template.

Training Objectives

1 Connect problem solving with business purpose; 2 Strengthen direct observation and factual analysis; 3 Develop countermeasures linked to demonstrated causes; 4 Use concise visual communication and coaching; 5 Plan measurable follow through and learning.

Learning Outcomes

1 Define a clear current performance gap; 2 Create an evidence based current state; 3 Link countermeasures to verified causal factors; 4 Build a practical implementation and check plan; 5 Present a coherent A3 problem solving record.

Target Audience

Team Leaders; Improvement Coordinators; Process Owners; Operations Supervisors; Quality Engineers.

Target Industries

Manufacturing; Logistics; Shared Services; Healthcare Administration; Hospitality Operations; Engineering Services.

Course Contents

• Module 1 A3 Purpose and Thinking: Business context and problem ownership; Learning dialogue versus template completion; Clear story from evidence to action.
• Module 2 Understanding the Current State: Direct observation and process mapping; Performance facts and customer consequences; Separating assumptions from measured evidence.
• Module 3 Problem and Target Definition: Specific gaps and bounded scope; Measurable achievable target conditions; Timing constraints and stakeholder agreement.
• Module 4 Cause Analysis: Tracing symptoms to process mechanisms; Cause and effect reasoning tools; Testing hypotheses with relevant evidence.
• Module 5 Countermeasure Design: Options linked to causal findings; Expected effects and implementation risks; Small tests and selection rationale.
• Module 6 Implementation Planning: Actions owners resources and due dates; Communication and change approval needs; Progress review and escalation arrangements.
• Module 7 Checking and Standardising: Measures compared with target conditions; Unintended effects and follow up learning; Standard work updates and ongoing ownership.
• Module 8 A3 Coaching Workshop: Drafting a coherent visual problem story; Using questions to challenge reasoning; Presenting a justified improvement plan.

Assessment

• 40 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 60 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack and calculator permitted; external internet and AI prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (30 minutes): Prepare an A3 for a supplied operational problem, explaining the evidence, cause logic, countermeasures and follow up measures.
• Assessment criteria: Clear problem and evidence connection; Logical cause to countermeasure linkage; Concise communication and measurable follow through.
• Pass each component separately: 30/40 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records A3 problem solving and communication skills; operational change approval remains with the responsible process owner.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

222

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.12 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.Maximum 20 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Basic process knowledge and experience with workplace problem solving are recommended. No formal Lean qualification is required.Basic process knowledge and experience with workplace problem solving are recommended. No formal Lean qualification is required.Basic process knowledge and experience with workplace problem solving are recommended. No formal Lean qualification is required.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a supplied process problem for 25 minutes and identify the gap between current and expected performance.Review a supplied process problem for 25 minutes and identify the gap between current and expected performance.Review a supplied process problem for 25 minutes and identify the gap between current and expected performance.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).40 question written exam (60 minutes) and individual applied task (30 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance.