Abstract

Routine quality work involves problem solving (PS) and continuous improvement (CI). While the major steps of the two processes are mostly the same, there are some notable differences. The author provides a comprehensive review of the principles and processes of problem solving and continuous improvement, including a comparison of common approaches, such as plan-do-check-act; define, measure, analyze, improve and control; 8D; and A3. He also proposes integrating 14 common quality tools into these approaches as general guidelines for problem solving and continuous improvement.