Enhanced problem solving through redefined 8D step completion criteria

Abstract

This research aims to review the fundamentals of problem solving by evaluating alternative processes and proposing an enhanced process model named Defined 8D. The enhanced model guides the problem solver through a defined step completion process to enable complex problems to be broken down into manageable and defined segments. Existing processes present challenges in defining the problem and can lead to continuously testing preconceived theories in a revolving loop without eventually confirming the root cause. The defined step completion criteria support product specialists to quickly acquire problem solving skills and reduce the cost and duration of resolving product related issues.

Keywords:

• 8D
• SPSP
• problem solving
• failure mode
• root cause

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew George

Andrew George graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Swinburne Institute of Technology in 1989 and has held a range of industry positions from Development Engineer to Departmental Director for automotive manufacturers and a tier one supplier in the passenger vehicle and heavy vehicle industries. His experience spans both engineering and quality and has also occupied the role of the Chief Executive Officer of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE-A). His interests include automotive design, particularly in the development of new products in the automotive aftermarket, placing emphasis on reducing the cost and time to market through effective risk assessment and problem resolution during product development phases. He has served on local committees and on the Board of Directors of the SAE-A and has occupied the position of Vice President. He is a fellow member of Engineers Australia, and a fellow member of the SAE-A.

Sagheer Ranjha

Sagheer Abbas Ranjha completed his PhD on rail-transport theme at Swinburne University in collaboration with Institute of Railway Technology Monash University, Australia. His research interests include contact mechanics, fatigue and fracture modeling and risk management in transportation engineering. He received postgraduate thesis award on from Railway Technical Society of Australasia his PhD research thesis. He holds an Assistant Professor position at Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore. Prior to teaching, he has also worked in industry in Lahore as Mechanical Engineer and later was involved in academic teaching and research. He did his M.Eng. (Merit) Engineering Project Management from University of Manchester UK and BEng (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering from University of Engineering and Technology Pakistan. He is a member of Institution of Engineers Australia and the Railway Technical Society of Australasia (RTSA).

Ambarish Kulkarni

Ambarish Kulkarni is a mechanical design engineer with a PhD on Development of an EV drivetrain for a small car for i-move CRC, Australia. He specializes in mechanical design with focus on finite element, virtual and augmented reality techniques. His research focuses on product design and development activities. He is currently working on design of automotive process/products improvements using virtual and augmented reality tools. He is a specialist in using specialized virtual design tools with significant field and industry experience. He was in industrial R&D career and became a full-time academic in 2009. His current role is program coordinator - Product Design Engineering, covering development of commercial products. He is also actively involved in teaching finite element methods, graphics design and supervising students on virtual reality projects. He is a fellow member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia, fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineering and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.