Project Thoughts

Here are some brief thoughts on the end-of-term project. Your objective is to demonstrate that you can apply the structured problem solving process discussed in class to a real problem. This problem can be work- or home-related. For instance, you might have a problem getting to class on time (this is only a hypothetical example, of course) that you would like to improve.

Working on your own or in groups of up to 5, apply the structured problem-solving process and the associated tools (fishbone, Pareto chart, etc.) to reduce or eliminate the problem.

The deliverable, due the final day of class, is a report that shows how you addressed each step in the process. Remember the "storyboard" concept. Consider labeling each section of a report (10 sections in total) with the pertinent problem solving step (i.e., develop mission statement, analyze symptoms, etc.) and then incorporate the tables and graphs you developed as you worked the steps. Use narrative text only to knit together the various graphics. The report should be a "scrapbook" that records your diagnostic and remedial journeys.

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