Continuous Improvement tools are available for download to assist you with projects within your department. These tools can be used for brainstorming sessions and are best used within a group. We will add tools to this page as we move forward with Continuous Improvement initiatives and knowledge-sharing across campus.
A3
An A3 is an action plan on a single piece of paper (typically 11x17, thus the name). It is used for keeping track of metrics, goals, action items, their associated deadlines, and the individual who is accountable for each item. Essentially, an A3 serves as a visual report that includes status for each action item as well as the overall project/process.
Rapid Idea Implementation Card
Instructions: Use the Rapid Idea Implementation Card in conjunction with the Fishbone Diagram to identify the root cause of a problem. This will allow you to create a framework to build an improvement plan.
Download the Rapid Idea Implementation Card (.pdf)
Fishbone Diagram
Instructions: The head of the fish is the problem that needs to be solved, and the skeleton denotes the different causes that contribute to the problem. Begin with phrasing the problem in the form of a question and rate potential causes according to their level of importance and hierarchy. As a group, brainstorm factors that contribute to each cause and break things down by asking 'why' until you no longer can.
Download the Fishbone Diagram (.pdf)
Personal Kanban Board
A Personal Kanban Board is about visualization: understanding what is going on, sharing this understanding, and learning from doing. This process allows us to be flexible and more creative, and to examine what we’ve done and look for patterns that emerge.
Download the Personal Kanban Board (.pdf)
If you have any questions about Continuous Improvement or using these tools, please contact P3 Community