The 16 step M.E.N Problem Solving Process Approach ©

1)      Identify the problem (What is the gap)

2)      Describe the problem in detail (Provide detailed information)

3)      Select potential containment methods (stop the bleeding) (Plan)

4)      Decide on best containment action (cost/ benefit analysis/ test method) (Plan)

5)      Implement containment actions (Try it out/ test it) (Do)

6)      Verify the effectiveness/ Decide (Will it do what you want it to) (Check/ Act)

7)      Select potential root causes (Plan)

8)      Decide on most likely/ feasible root cause/s to address (Do)

9)      Collect data to verify which of the decided upon root causes are correct (check)

10)  Decide on the actual root cause/s (based on data collected to verify) (Act)

11)  Select potential permanent corrective action (cost/ benefit analysis/ risk) (Plan)

12)  Decide on data collection methods to verify corrective action will work (Plan/ Do)

13)  Review data/ verify permanent corrective actions will work as planned (check)

14)  Implement permanent corrective actions (Act)

15)  Verify effectiveness of permanent actions (check – again)

16)  Implement preventive actions (standardize/ communicate/ audit for ongoing effectiveness) (Act)