Pkg Solutions
Quality Glossary
Brainstorming
WHAT IS BRAINSTORMING?
Brainstorming is an idea generating technique. A group of people throw
out their ideas as they think of them, so that each has the opportunity
to build on the ideas of others.
HOW TO BRAINSTORM
The group leader presents the situation for which ideas are sought.
The wording should encourage specific, tangible ideas, not abstract ideas
or opinions. The leader makes sure that the members understand the situation
under consideration, the objective of the brainstorming session, and the
process to be followed.
There are two methods of brainstorming. The most familiar is free wheeling,
where:
The discipline of brainstorming is maintained by four basic rules. However,
the informality of the process generates an atmosphere of freedom. These
rules are:
In round robin brainstorming:
the leader or scribe asks each member in turn for an idea
members may pass on any round
the session continues until all members have passed
during the round
WHAT IS LIST REDUCTION?
Before a list of ideas or factors can be shortened, everyone in the
group must have a clear understanding of all items on the list. The first
activity, therefore, is for the leader to go through the items asking
if there is need for clarification. If yes, the suggester should be asked
to briefly explain what he or she meant by the comment. The discussion
should not go beyond simple clarification at this point.
HOW TO LIST REDUCE
The group identifies some filters, criteria that should be satisfied
for an item to remain in consideration, some of which could be:
Keeping the agreed upon criteria in mind, group members review or in
appropriate cases vote on each item. If there is any doubt items are bracketed,
rather than crossed out, so that the group can go back to them later if
necessary.
In general the group focuses on and continues to evaluate only the non
bracketed items on the list.
The process may be repeated, with different or more stringent criteria,
until the list is reduced to about half a dozen options. This represents
a manageable number of options for applying some of the other evaluative
tools.
WHEN TO USE LIST REDUCTION
List Reduction is a filter technique. When used after brainstorming
It is useful to combine it with a clarification process.
Each approach has Its advantages and disadvantages. These are summarized
in a balance sheet.
A way of reducing the number of items generated and evaluating them
is called 'List Reduction'. This will help the team to concentrate on
the most important items.
AN EXAMPLE OF A BRAINSTORM
Reasons Why Electric Light Doesn't Turn On
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Power failure
Storm
Bulb loose
Power plant failure
Not plugged in
Old bulb
Lamp corroded
No current to house
No contact
Bill not paid
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Bulb holder missing
Circuit breaker operated
Switch broken
Burnt out bulb
Cord cut
Missing bulb
Cord chewed by dog
Switch missing
Wall switch turned off
Broken bulb
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WHEN TO USE BRAINSTORMING
To generate as many potential ideas as possible often in the context
of cause and effect analysis.
TIPS ON IMPROVING THE USE OF BRAINSTORMING
There are several recommended idea spurring' questions to help group
members build on each others' proposals. These questions could include:
What else is like this?
What other ideas does this suggest?
Greater frequency?
BRAINSTORMING CHECKLIST
RULES |
GOOD COMPLIANCE |
GENERALLY COMPLIED |
POOR COMPLIANCE |
Problem clearly defined |
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Many ideas generated (quantity rather than quality) |
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No criticism |
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No evaluation |
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Everyone contributing |
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Every idea recorded (no editing) |
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Leader chosen |
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Time allowed for ideas to incubate |
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Relaxed atmosphere |
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Creativity encouraged |
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INTERNAL CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS
Internal Suppliers
List the products and services you receive from your internal suppliers
and note who the supplier is for each.
How do you rate the service you get from your suppliers?
Products & Services |
Supplier |
Performance Rating |
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Internal Customers
List the products or services you supply to your internal customers
and note who those customers are.
How do you rate as a supplier to your customers? Do you always provide
them with defect free products or services, at the right time and in the
right place?
Products & Services |
Supplier |
Performance Rating |
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