Tool 46: Countermeasures Matrix


AKA

Problem Solution Planning

Classification

Planning/Presenting (PP)

Tool description

A countermeasures matrix documents a problem and identifies causes, solutions (countermeasures), and implementation priorities. Priority is established by team rating based on the importance or feasibility of recommended action items. This matrix provides input data for developing an action plan.

Typical application

  • To identify next steps in the problem-solving process.

  • To document the team's findings and recommended actions.

  • To prioritize required resources for process improvement implementation activities.

Problem-solving phase

Select and define problem or opportunity

Identify and analyze causes or potential change

Develop and plan possible solutions or change

Implement and evaluate solution or change

Measure and report solution or change results

Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

Research/statistics

Creativity/innovation

Engineering

2

Project management

4

Manufacturing

Marketing/sales

Administration/documentation

3

Servicing/support

5

Customer/quality metrics

1

Change management

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links to other tools

before

  • Idea Grid

  • Causes and Effect Diagram (CED)

  • Problem Analysis

  • Process Analysis

  • Solution Matrix

after

  • Cost-Benefit Analysis

  • What-If Analysis

  • Resource Requirements Matrix

  • Project Planning Log

  • Action Plan

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Notes and key points

  • Importance rating scale: 1-5, 5 being the most important. This attribute can be substituted for feasibility, etc.

  • Action priority: Highest team total is number 1 priority for implementation.

Step-by-step procedure

  • STEP 1 The team facilitator prepares, on a whiteboard or flip charts, a countermeasures matrix and reviews the requirements for completing the matrix. See example Team Attrition Countermeasures.

  • STEP 2 The participants engage in discussion to identify countermeasures and required action items to resolve the problem.

  • STEP 3 Next, the team rates the action items on the basis of importance or feasibility of implementation. A scale of 1-5 is used, 5 being the most important or feasible.

  • STEP 4 The facilitator tabulates the ratings and indicates action priorities on the matrix.

  • STEP 5 The matrix is dated and submitted for action planning.

Example of tool application

Team Attrition Countermeasures

Problem: Teams Experience Increased Member Attrition

Date xx/xx/xx

Identified Causes

Proposed Countermeasures

Recommended Action Items

Participant Importance Rating[†]

Team Total

Action Priority

1. Lack of leadership

Rotate team leadership

Draw up schedule

3,4,1,5,4,2,4,3

26

2

2. Lack of commitment

Check rewards and recognition

Revise policy

3,5,2,1,1,4,3,4

23

3

3. Lack of participation

Obtain commitment

Participant selection

4,3,2,2,2,1,5,2

21

4

4. Participant's workload

Balance schedule

Schedule by consensus

4,5,5,3,4,3,3,5

32

1[††]

5. Lack of progress

Provide training

Attend team training

2,3,1,1,2,3,4,1

17

5

[†]Importance scale 15, 5 being most important

[††]Highest priority for taking action




Six Sigma Tool Navigator(c) The Master Guide for Teams
Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams
ISBN: 1563272954
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 326

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