Performance Improvement Tools

• 5-Whys (Determine root cause of problem)
• Affinity Diagram (Understand a problem or solutions)
• Brainstorming (Generating ideas)
• Cause and Effect (Understanding root causes of a problem)
• Charter (Agreement of project’s objectives and expectations)
• Check Sheet (Data collection tool)
• Closure Checklist (Checklist for project completion)
• Commitment Planning (Identifies people necessary  for project’s success)
• Communication Plan (Communication plan with stakeholders)
• Control Charts (Statistical graph)
• CTQ [Critical to Quality] Tree (Defines Voice of the Customer)
• Cycle time (Time needed to complete a process)
• Data Collection Plan (Data collection standardization)
• DMAIC Model (A model to define, measure, analyze, improve, and control)
• Elevator Speech (Project synopsis verbal communication tool)
• Flowcharts (Graphical display of process)
• FMEA [Failure Modes and Effects Analysis] (Tool for potential error identification)
• Force Field Analysis (Driving and restraining forces)
• From-To Matrix (Identify potential changes and impact)
• Gantt Chart (Project timeline tool)
• Histogram (Frequency graphs)
• Involvement Matrix (Identifies key stakeholders)
• Losses and Gains Chart (Identifies solution’s impact)
• Multi-voting (Consensus tool)
• Pareto Chart (Focus on vital causes)
• Prioritization Matrix (Problem prioritization tool)
• Problem Statement (Defining the problem)
• Process Management Check (Ongoing monitoring tool)
• Project Selection Criteria (Resource identification tool)
• Responding to Resistance Checklist (Identifies change barriers)
• Run Charts (Graphical results displayed over time)
• Scatter Diagram (Relationship between two variables)
• SIPOC [Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers] Analysis (High level flowchart)
• Standard Practice Development (Developing written guidelines)
• Storyboard (Performance Improvement project synopsis presentation)
• SWOT [Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats] Matrix (Assessment tool)
• Tree Diagram (Detailed flowchart to document 5-Whys)
• VOC [Voice of the Customer] Worksheet (Identifying customers)