This presentation on problem–solving will give you an idea of the powerful and graspable techniques that you can use effectively to solve a great many of your current problems. Mr Jay Menon was invited to speak to a group of business owners and senior managers at an event called Marketing Mojo Meetup organized by Redbox Studio.

1. This presentation on problem–solving will
give you an idea of the powerful and
graspable techniques that you can use
effectively to solve a great many of your
current problems.
Mr Jay Menon was invited to speak to a
group of business owners and senior
managers at an event called Marketing Mojo
Meetup organized by Redbox Studio.

2. Presented by Mr Jay Menon
at Redbox Studio's Marketing Mojo Meetup
on 26 June 2013
“How to solve daily, chronic
problems in your business
with concepts from Polya &
Kaizen”

3. Problem Solving
Polya’s 4-step process:
1. Understand the problem.
2. Devise a plan.
3. Carry out the plan.
4. Look back.
Understand

4. Problem Solving
Polya’s 4-step process:
1. Understand the problem.
2. Devise a plan.
3. Carry out the plan.
4. Look back.
Understand
Think

5. Problem Solving
Polya’s 4-step process:
1. Understand the problem.
2. Devise a plan.
3. Carry out the plan.
4. Look back.
Understand
Think
Do

6. Problem Solving
Polya’s 4-step process:
1. Understand the problem.
2. Devise a plan.
3. Carry out the plan.
4. Look back.
Understand
Think
Do
Check

7. Try This Exercise
a. If the diagonals of a square are drawn in, how
many triangles of all sizes are formed?
b. Describe how Polya’s four steps were used
to solve part (a).

8. Step 1: Understand the problem.
If the diagonals of a square are
drawn in, how many triangles of
all sizes are formed?
• Draw a picture of a square with the diagonals
drawn in.

9. Step 1: Understand the problem.
If the diagonals of a square are drawn
in, how many triangles of all sizes are
formed?
Draw a picture of a square with the diagonals
drawn in.

10. Step 1: Understand the problem.
If the diagonals of a square are drawn in,
how many triangles of all sizes are
formed?
• Draw a picture of a square with the diagonals drawn in.
• The question asks, “how many triangles?”
• “CLUE”: how many triangles o f allsiz e s ?

11. Step 1: Understand the problem.
If the diagonals of a square are drawn in,
how many triangles of all sizes are
formed?
• Draw a picture of a square with the diagonals drawn in.
• The question asks, “how many triangles?”
• “CLUE”: how many triangles o f allsiz e s ?

12. Step 1: Understand the problem.
If the diagonals of a square are drawn in,
how many triangles of all sizes are
formed?
• Draw a picture of a square with the diagonals drawn in.
• The question asks, “how many triangles?”
• “CLUE”: how many triangles o f allsiz e s ?

13. Step 2: Devise a plan.
How to count the # of triangles of all sizes?
Plan: Figure out how many sizes there are
and count them from smallest to largest.

14. Step 3: Carry out plan.
First, how many sizes of triangles are there?

15. Step 3: Carry out plan.
First, how many sizes of triangles are
there?

16. Step 3: Carry out plan.
First, how many sizes of triangles are
there?
‘little’ ‘big’

17. Step 3: Carry out plan.
Next, count how many of each size:
# little?
# big?

18. Step 4: Look back.
We’ve counted 8 triangles:
If the diagonals of a square are drawn in, how
many triangles of all sizes are formed?
Answer: 8
4
4

19. Consider the triangle below. How many
triangles are there? (EXERCISE)

20. The HARDEST part is to UNDERSTAND
the problem. How do we STATE the
problem so that it can be SOLVED?
Here's a Hands-on Exercise
4 shapes are given. The group is asked to
put them together to form a square.

21. 4 pieces are to be arranged into a square. Both teams
got it after a minute of trial and error.

22. 1st
part solved. As the shape is made of just 4
pieces, the problem can be solved quite fast.

23. 2nd
task: an extra square part is introduced as a 5th
piece.
The task is to now arrange all 5 pieces into a square!

24. Both teams tried trial and error and even after 10 minutes , they could
not get a solution.
The facilitator (Jay) asked them to STATE the problem in their own
words.
Originally, the facilitator just said to form a square with all 5 pieces.
But if the teams just went ahead and tried to solve the problem the same
way as when using the 4 pieces , then they have actually not STATED the
problem in a manner which can lead the way to a solution!
Hence, the facilitator asked them to go back to the 4 pieces and look at it
once more.
The facilitator gave a hint by asking them what would the SIZE of the new
square be?

25. Since the 5th
piece is small, the new square can only be
slightly larger than the 4-piece square. (See next slide )

26. The white strip area = small square area
Hence, looking at 4-piece square , we can work with 2 pieces to get at
least 1 side of the new square to be slightly longer than the original
square’s side.

27. The black arrow shows that in this case, the new length is too much.

28. The black arrow shows that in this case , the new length just right.
Now , we can proceed working with the 3 other pieces to fit
into a square using the above 2 as one side of the new
square!

29. The teams were able to solve the 5-piece subsequently.
CONCLUSION
It is VITAL that the 1st
part of Polya’s techniques requires the solvers to
state the problem in an understandable way so that the next steps become
obvious.
In this case, the UNDERSTANDING of the problem comes from asking
the question : What will the size of the new square be?
Once its stated that way, ideas will come on how much bigger the new
square will be? What would the new length be? How to obtain the new
length? and so on.

30. Polya’s approach is essential in utilising KAIZEN techniques
in any area of work or home.
You must STATE the problem clearly – in a measurable way
so that the problem can be looked at systematically.
Oftentimes , there are several ways to state the problem in
a measurable way. Any such way is ok.
Let us look at KAIZEN – the technique we use together
with Polya’s method to solve problems that previously
cannot be solved!

31. Kaizen – Just Do It!
• Kaizen means continuous improvement.
• Moreover, Kaizen means continuing
improvement in personal life, home life,
social life, and working life.
• When applied to the workplace Kaizen
means continuing improvement involving
everyone – managers and workers alike.
- Mr. Masaaki Imai (1986)

32. • Japanese word meaning
–Kai - gradual and orderly change, Zen -
for the better
• involves everyone in the organization
in small improvements using
conventional knowledge and tools
• without large capital investments.

33. • A culture - way of life
• Focusing on eliminating waste
• Begins and ends with people
• Total system focus – not just one
department

34. Kaizen Extends to Individual
Life
Everybody deserves to and should be
willing to improve himself/herself for
the better continually.
“If a man has not been seen for three days, his
friends should take a good look at him to see
what changes have befallen him”
- an old Japanese saying that describes how natural Kaizen is

35. Kaizen Key Concepts
• SDCA to PDCA – standardized work
• Quality first
– If something can be improved, a measure must exist by
which improvement can be quantified – quality
characteristics
• Upstream management
• Speak with data
• Variability control and recurrence prevention

36. Seven Deadly Wastes
• Over-production
• Waiting
• Transportation
• Over-processing
• Inventory
• Motion
• Defects

37. THE Kaizen WET BLANKET LIST
1. I am too busy to study it.
2. It's a good idea, but the timing is premature.
3. It is not in the budget.
4. Theory is different from practice.
5. Isn't there something else for you to do?
6. I think it doesn't match corporate policy
7. It isn't our business; let someone else think abo
it.
8. Are you dissatisfied with your work?
9. It's not improvement, it's common sense.
10. I know the result, even if we don't do it.
11. I will not be held accountable for it.
12. Can't you think of a better idea?

38. Basic Tips For Kaizen Activities
1. Discard conventional fixed ideas.
2. Think of how to do it, not why it cannot be done.
3. Do not make excuses. Start by questioning
current practices.
4. Do not seek perfection. Do it right away even if
for only 50% of target.
5. Correct it right away, if you make mistake.
6. Do not spend money for KAIZEN, use your
wisdom.
7. Wisdom is brought out when faced with hardship.
8. Ask WHY five times and seek root causes.
9. Seek the wisdom of ten people rather than the
knowledge of one.
10. KAIZEN ideas are infinite.

39. The next few slides will show you some
features of KAIZEN processes...

47. About Mr Jay Menon
Jay Menon is a retired semiconductor engineer based in Penang, Malaysia
whose passion isn’t just limited to engineering or semiconductor topics.
In fact, he is even busier now post-retirement. Jay is currently the chairman
of Malaysian Mensa, the high IQ society. He is also the founder member of
the Treasure Hunting Society of Malaysia.
When he is not creating cryptic crossword clues or puzzles for treasure hunts
across Malaysia, he is setting up teambuilding challenges for the corporate
world. Jay trains on technical topics such as electrical and electronic issues
for semiconductor companies. He also advises companies on problem-
solving and continuous improvement techniques.
Despite his highly technical background, Jay has been active in the
Malaysian theatre scene where he has acted as well as directed plays with
the Penang Players Music and Drama Society.

48. What Next?
Jay Menon is willing to teach small business owners how to maximize fully from
Kaizen and Polya's problem-solving methods in a 1-day intensive workshop.
The workshop aims to help you, the small business owner, find the hidden
profit in your business that you never even knew you had!
This 1-day workshop opens up money-saving and money-making opportunities
as well as helps business owners regain precious time for themselves without
the need to hire more staff or do anything out of the ordinary. All you need to do
is come with an open mind and a willingness to apply concepts that have been
used with much success by global manufacturing companies.
Highly recommended for small business owners (and even managers) who are
often the “firefighters” in their team.
After this workshop, you’ll have more control and will never again worry about
your limited resources (people, time and money).
And then and only then can you focus on true innovation in your business.

49. About Redbox Studio
We’ve been building marketing-driven websites since we began in 1998.
Though we started as a web design agency, clients often came to us for business
expertise and advice because we understand business and marketing.
We're also big believers in Kaizen and smart problem-solving techniques. As a
small business, we have seen how using these techniques have allowed us to
expand the way we think, work and innovate.
Not only do we work better, we are able to achieve a lot more with a small team.
Plus the way we think and work benefits clients thoroughly too as we are able to
create smarter, simpler systems that help them in their businesses too.
You could say that we're not just in the business of designing websites but we're
also helping clients re-design their existing business processes – making
business processes simpler and smarter. To find out more, go to:
www.redboxstudio.com

50. Interested To Know More?
This presentation on “problem –solving” gives you an idea of
the powerful and graspable techniques that you can use
effectively to solve a great many of your current problems.
To fully grasp the techniques and see how they work in your
favour, it is best to join Mr Jay Menon's 1-day workshop. For
workshop programme or to know when the next workshop is
open for registration, email: info@redboxstudio.com
This workshop is brought to you by Redbox Studio in
collaboration
with Mr Jay Menon.