AAOM Handbook

INTERNAL

AI.16 Brainstorm Potential Control Actions Context

Having identified the contributing/root cause(s) of a process issue, and confirmed that continued analysis of the issue is justified, the next step is to identify the appropriate control action(s) to deliver the expected benefit. There is nearly always a great temptation to rush into action, often before we have even validated a cause and certainly once we have. We should always carefully consider all possible control actions, and validate their relative effectiveness and feasibility before finalising the choice of control action. Generally a team of knowledgeable people can arrive at more potential control actions quicker than one individual. Brainstorming is a technique that assists a team to identify the broadest possible range of potential control actions in a relatively short time. This may require a different set of skills to those required to find the significant/root cause(s) of the issue, and hence may require different resources to be assigned to the task. This may require the appointment of a different leader or team for the development of the control action. As we progress, the potential control actions will be ranked tested and validated in order to arrive at the most practical control action(s). This task is to develop the broadest possible list of possible control actions without passing judgement on them. Purpose To identify all control actions with the potential to deal with the contributing/ root cause(s) of a process issue. Quantity One list of potential control actions to deal with the contributing/root cause(s). Quality The list is to contain potential control actions, not symptoms or causes. Suggested control actions that may be implausible or improbable should not be eliminated at this stage – that will occur later. Make the definition of the potential control actions specific enough that you will remember what it was in several months time. Too often a few words are used and no-one knows what they meant a week later. Resources The Control Action Development Leader is accountable for this task. Team members contribute. Time As soon as practical after approval to develop control actions is given.

© McAlear Management Consultants 2007

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