Implementing and Sustaining Lean IT Improvements ◾ 193
For problem-solving, they use the 5 Whys as a common tool and encour-
age analysts to seek root cause in such a way that the most important fac-
tors can be identified (“big whys” versus “little whys”) and that quantifiable
measures of the Current State can be obtained, in order to provide the base-
line for verifiable improvements. For problem resolution, small incremental
improvements (versus large projects with long timelines) are not only okay,
but, in fact, fuel the underlying engine for long-term cultural transformation.
Their philosophy is to not let the search for a comprehensive, ideal solution
become an obstacle to seeking immediate, sustainable improvements. The
philosophy is simp ...