A Step Beyond
Supplementing force field analysis with the converters and inhibitors model to support process improvement
- Publication:
- Quality Progress
- Date:
- September 2022
- Issue:
- Volume 55 Issue 9
- Pages:
- pp. 12-19
- Author(s):
- Mannelli, Giorgio
- Organization(s):
- National Nuclear Laboratories, Risley, England
Abstract
Force field analysis is a basic quality tool for root cause analysis that can help you act after the root cause has been identified. The tool also can be used for change management. But there are limitations. The system offers a strong and easy way to address situations made difficult by the multiple factors to be assessed. However, while contrasting forces are considered in force field analysis, a way to show other factors involved is absent, which could give an incomplete picture of the situation. A new model encourages a deeper and wider analysis by demanding the identification of a higher number of elements than just forces—that is, convertors and inhibitors. This, in turn, results in a more comprehensive view of the improvement process and helps make decisions and take actions to reach the desired state.