This unit is intended for organisation leaders/managers and people with a similar sphere of influence and scope of authority and responsibility. It applies where problem solving is already routine in the organisation and improving individual and organisational problem solving capability has been accepted as part of the organisation's improvement processes.

The unit applies to individuals who are already familiar with formal problem solving processes. Where this is not the case the following units may be completed to supply the necessary skills:

MSACMT280A Undertake root cause analysis

MSAPMSUP390A Use structured problem solving tools.

For high level complex problem solving skills refer to MSACMG712A Lead a problem solving process to determine and solve root cause.

This unit may also be applied to service organisations applying competitive manufacturing principles.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Develop an appropriate organisational framework

1.1. Determine problem solving approach/strategy to be used

1.2. Determine or review the desired outcomes from a problem solving program

1.3. Review organisational structure to facilitate improvement in problem solving

1.4. Analyse the selection and application of problem solving tools

1.5. Develop a training strategy to improve problem solving ability

1.6. Develop reporting framework and guidelines

1.7. Develop corrective action tracking systems

1.8. Obtain support from relevant process/system owners for proposed changes

2. Improve problem solving ability

2.1. Implement training strategy

2.2. Ensure problem solving occurs using groups or teams

2.3. Provide resources to ensure problem solving occurs

2.4. Ensure effective solutions are developed

2.5. Provide resources to ensure solutions are implemented

2.6. Ensure reporting and corrective action tracking occurs

3. Review problem solving effectiveness

3.1. Review corrective action tracking

3.2. Determine benefit/cost from solutions

3.3. Analyse interactions of multiple problems with each other and the organisation

3.4. Review problem solving strategy

3.5. Make improvements to problem solving strategy and approach

Required skills

decision making

communication at all levels

negotiation

problem solving

situation analysis

Required knowledge

competitive manufacturing principles

problem solving methodologies

workplace strategy and vision

corrective action tracking methods

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Demonstrates skills and knowledge required to:

improve the problem solving capability of the organisation.

In particular look for evidence of:

ongoing review of systems and processes

increasing problem solving capability.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment. Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the Manufacturing Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.

Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Codes of practice/standards

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All changes implemented are expected to be at least neutral, or preferably beneficial, in their impact on health, safety and environment

Desired outcomes

Desired outcomes from program include:

improved customer service and delivery

defect elimination

capacity improvement

cost reduction

safety improvement

improved complaint resolution

Organisational structure

Organisational structure may include:

super-users and facilitators

roles and responsibilities with regard to problem solving

plans to broaden the users of problem solving approach

plans to improve the problem solving performance of personnel

Reporting

Reporting should include:

appropriate metrics (such as incident frequency, incident consequences)

trigger criteria for conducting problem solving activity

problem definition and quantification

cause and effect chart (or similar)

solutions identified

Effective solutions

Effective solutions will:

prevent recurrence

be within the control/ability of the organisation to implement

meet organisation goals and objectives

Competitive philosophy

Competitive philosophy includes that body of knowledge and techniques which together guides an organisation towards achieving best practice in their processes and includes:

manufacturing practice

lean manufacturing

agile manufacturing

Required resources

Required resources may include:

plant

materials (raw materials, components, work in progress, other consumables)

energy (heating, cooling, fuel)

appropriately skilled people as employees and in the value chain

finances

feedback/visual factory resources

measuring equipment

Manager

Manager may include:

any person who may have either a permanent or an ad hoc role in facilitating the function of multiple teams in a workplace, departments or entire organisations

Unit sector

CM Graduate

This unit contains employability skills.