Module 06 · Training Program

Problem Solving
Techniques Training

A hands-on training program designed to instil a systematic approach to defining problems correctly, analysing their root causes and developing lasting solutions.

Duration 1 Full Day / ~7 Hours
Format Theory + Case Workshop
Participants 8–20 People
Focus Root Cause & Lasting Solutions
Certificate Opexera Certificate of Attendance
About the Training

Why Problem Solving Techniques?

Most problems on the shop floor are temporarily suppressed with surface-level measures, but they recur because the root cause is never resolved. Systematic problem solving tools make it possible to diagnose the cause correctly, develop a lasting solution and stop the same fault happening again.

5 Core tools: PDCA, Pareto, 5 Why, Ishikawa and 4M Analysis
80/20 The Pareto principle — 80% of problems come from 20% of the sources
The "Why?" question — the minimum depth needed to reach the root cause
0 Every problem whose root cause goes unresolved means a recurring loss
Curriculum

Program Content — Tools & Methods

From problem definition to root cause analysis, and from prioritisation to solution development, the training covers five practical tools — both in theory and through case work — that can be applied directly on the floor.

Fundamentals

Problem Definition & Writing It Correctly

Defining the problem correctly is half the solution. Covers how to fix vague, overly broad or symptom-focused definitions.

Cycle

PDCA — The Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle

Systematic management of problem solving and improvement actions through the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle.

Prioritisation

Pareto Analysis — The 80/20 Rule

Using data to identify the 20% of problem sources that cause the greatest impact, and directing improvement effort to the right place.

Root Cause

5 Why — Five Whys Analysis

The technique of reaching the true root cause from a surface symptom through successive "why?" questions; its pitfalls and correct use.

Visualisation

Ishikawa — The Fishbone Diagram

The Ishikawa diagram, which visually maps every possible root cause; team-based analysis and category management.

Systematic

4M Analysis

Comprehensive root cause investigation through the 4M framework, which systematically assesses Machine, Material, Method and Man factors.

Training Day

Daily Program Flow

The morning block covers the five problem solving techniques with theory and examples; in the afternoon a root cause analysis is carried out on a real shop-floor problem and a lasting solution is developed.

Application & Workshop (13:30 – 16:00)

  • Root cause analysis on a real problem
  • 5 Why and Ishikawa exercise
  • Developing a solution and building an action plan
1
09:00 – 10:30

Problem Definition & PDCA

Covers how to define and write problems correctly, the PDCA cycle and its implementation steps.

2
10:45 – 13:00

Pareto, 5 Why, Ishikawa & 4M

The four analysis tools are covered with examples and case studies; it is made clear which tool to use in which situation.

3
13:30 – 15:00

Root Cause Analysis Workshop

A group-based 5 Why and Ishikawa exercise is run on a real shop-floor problem.

4
15:00 – 16:00

Solution Development & Action Plan

Lasting solution proposals are developed from the root cause findings and an action plan is produced.

Outcomes

By the End of the Training, Participants…

Participants who complete the training address problems at root cause level rather than symptom level, and can choose and apply the right tool to develop a lasting solution.

Being able to define problems correctly

Being able to analyse root causes systematically

Being able to develop lasting solutions

Being able to apply problem solving tools on the shop floor

Audience

Who Is This Training For?

Problem Solving Techniques training suits every operations, quality and engineering team that wants to solve recurring shop-floor problems with systematic methods.

Operations Managers

Managers who want to resolve recurring problems at root cause level.

Manufacturing Engineers

Engineers who want to analyse and solve line-related problems with systematic tools.

Quality Engineers & Teams

Quality professionals who want to find the root cause of quality defects and prevent recurrence.

Continuous Improvement Teams

CI professionals who integrate problem solving tools with Kaizen actions.

Instructor

Consultant & Instructor

Ertuğrul Turgay
Ertuğrul Turgay
Operational Excellence & Digital Transformation Consultant · Opexera

With 24 years of automotive experience, Ertuğrul Turgay delivers problem solving techniques in a format grounded in shop-floor cases, focused on tools and geared to lasting behaviour change. Backed by Lean Six Sigma Black Belt expertise, he integrates root cause analysis and quality improvement projects with the WCM methodology.

5 Why Ishikawa Pareto Analysis PDCA 4M Analysis Lean Six Sigma

Request a Quote for Problem Solving Techniques Training

Contact the Opexera team for shop-floor case selection, tool combination and content adaptation tailored to your organisation.