Problem-Solving Using the Deming Wheel: PDCA Cycle

Training Programme Overview

This comprehensive training programme equips participants with a structured, universally applicable approach to problem-solving using Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s PDCA Cycle. Rooted in continuous improvement philosophy, the course integrates the foundational seven Quality Tools directly into each PDCA phase, providing a practical methodology for tackling challenges effectively. Participants will learn to systematically define problems, analyse root causes using powerful visual tools, develop and implement solutions, and monitor results for sustained improvement.

Designed for diverse sectors including manufacturing, services, administration, and research, the programme emphasises hands-on application. Participants will gain transferable skills to drive efficiency, enhance quality, reduce waste, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within their teams and across the organisation, leading to tangible performance gains.

Training Programme Objectives and Benefits

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Explain the Deming philosophy and the purpose of each stage in the PDCA cycle.
• Apply the seven Quality Tools appropriately within the relevant PDCA phases to solve problems.
• Define problems clearly, establish measurable improvement goals, and collect relevant data.
• Utilise Pareto Analysis and Cause-and-Effect Diagrams to systematically identify and verify root causes.
• Develop, select, implement, and monitor effective solutions using PDCA.
• Quantify improvements in financial, operational, and cultural terms.
• Standardise successful solutions and identify opportunities for continuous cycles of improvement.

Benefits of attending this training?

• Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Gain a proven, structured methodology for tackling any problem effectively.
• Improved Decision Making: Base decisions on data and facts using powerful analytical tools.
• Increased Efficiency & Productivity: Identify and eliminate root causes of waste and inefficiency.
• Higher Quality Output: Reduce errors, defects, and variations in processes and outputs.
• Stronger Team Collaboration: Foster a common language and approach to improvement across functions.
• Sustainable Results: Learn to implement, monitor, and standardise changes for lasting impact.
• 15-30% faster problem resolution through structured methodology.

Who Should Attend

• Frontline Staff (Manufacturing/Service): Empowered to identify and solve local problems at the source. Identify micro-inefficiencies; own daily improvements.
• Team Leaders & Supervisors: To guide teams through structured problem-solving, remove roadblocks and daily improvement.
• Managers & Department Heads: To lead improvement initiatives, support teams, and foster a Continuous Improvement culture. Align PDCA with strategic goals; allocate resources.
• Quality Circle (QCC) Members: To enhance their toolkit and effectiveness in circle activities.
• Productivity/Quality/Performance Improvement Team Members: Core methodology to lead complex projects.
• Engineers & Technicians: Apply structured problem-solving to technical challenges and process optimization.
• Support & Administrative Staff (HR, Finance, IT): To improve service delivery, streamline workflows and internal processes; reduce bureaucratic waste and resolve operational issues within their functions.

Training Duration: Four half-day sessions across four weeks Session Dates First Second Third Forth Batch 1A: Monday, 8 September Monday, 15 September Monday, 22 September Monday, 29 September Batch 1B: Monday, 8 September Monday, 15 September Monday, 22 September Monday, 29 September Batch 2A: Monday, 1 December Monday, 8 December Monday, 15 December Monday, 22 December Batch 2B: Monday, 1 December Monday, 8 December Monday, 15 December Monday, 22 December