Strategic Excellence in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industries

21Problem Solving

21.1 INTRODUCTION

Solving problems using root cause analysis is possible by using a two-step methodology. The first step is to seek the true root cause by repeatedly asking the question why. The second step is to ask questions about the object’s purpose by using the purpose expansion. Both Sakichi Toyoda and Kiichiro Toyoda provided the critical thought process that was needed. Accordingly, they were able to think through and identify the specific purposes. Automobile engineers are normally focused only on the production of cars, but Kiichiro’s thought process was different. As he stated, his purpose was “not the assembly of cars but rather to promote the automobile industry throughout Japan.” Before solving a specific problem, ...