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

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

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 1−5, 5 being most important [††]Highest priority for taking action