Lean Improvement and Problem-Solving Programme

Lean Process Improvement, Value Stream Mapping and A3 Problem Solving

Diagnose value streams, identify waste and constraints, analyse root causes and design evidence-based countermeasures.

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Course overview

See the whole process, frame the real problem and improve through disciplined learning.

Lean Process Improvement, Value Stream Mapping and A3 Problem Solving develops the practical capability to understand end-to-end work, distinguish value from waste and solve problems without jumping prematurely to solutions.

Participants learn to observe work, create current-state and future-state value-stream maps, identify flow barriers and use A3 thinking to connect background, current condition, goals, analysis, countermeasures, implementation and follow-up.

A cross-functional case requires teams to combine customer, process, data and stakeholder evidence before proposing and testing improvements.

Learning outcomes

What participants will be able to do.

  • Define value from the customer and stakeholder perspective.
  • Observe and document work without confusing standard process with actual practice.
  • Create current-state value-stream maps showing process and information flow.
  • Identify waste, queues, rework, overburden, unevenness and constraints.
  • Select a focused improvement problem with clear scope and performance evidence.
  • Use A3 thinking to develop a logical, visible problem-solving story.
  • Analyse root causes using process, data and stakeholder evidence.
  • Design future-state flow and prioritise practical countermeasures.
  • Plan implementation, ownership, risks, measures and follow-up.
  • Coach improvement conversations and prevent solution-first behaviour.

Who should attend

Designed for professionals who need practical, context-aware capability.

  • Process owners and operations managers.
  • Lean and continuous-improvement practitioners.
  • Quality, service and customer-experience professionals.
  • Business analysts, project leaders and transformation teams.
  • Cross-functional teams responsible for end-to-end performance.

Course structure

5 integrated modules from foundation to workplace application.

The programme connects principles, practical tools, evidence, decisions and transfer through one coherent learning journey.

1

Lean thinking and direct observation

  • Customer value and purpose.
  • Value streams, flow, pull and perfection.
  • Waste, unevenness and overburden.
  • Go-see observation and respectful inquiry.
  • Problem selection and improvement ethics.
2

Current-state value-stream mapping

  • Scope, product or service family and boundaries.
  • Process steps, information flow and decision points.
  • Cycle, waiting, queue and rework data.
  • Customer demand and service expectations.
  • Interpreting the current-state story.
3

A3 problem framing and analysis

  • A3 purpose and thinking process.
  • Background, current condition and goal.
  • Problem breakdown and evidence.
  • Cause-and-effect, 5 Whys and process analysis.
  • Distinguishing causes, conditions and symptoms.
4

Future state and countermeasures

  • Flow, pull, levelling and visual management.
  • Constraint and bottleneck decisions.
  • Future-state design principles.
  • Countermeasure selection and experiment design.
  • Implementation risks and stakeholder impact.
5

Implementation, follow-up and coaching

  • Action plan, ownership and timing.
  • Measures, review and response plans.
  • Standard work and sustaining change.
  • A3 dialogue, coaching and reflection.
  • Improvement portfolio and learning transfer.

Learning experience

Learn through application, challenge, feedback and reflection.

Observe

Go-see simulation

Practise neutral observation, questioning and evidence capture before analysis.

Map

Value-stream laboratory

Build current-state and future-state maps with process, information and performance evidence.

Frame

A3 problem definition

Create a concise background, current condition, goal and problem breakdown.

Analyse

Cause investigation

Use process, data and stakeholder evidence to test potential causes.

Improve

Countermeasure experiment

Design and review a practical change with assumptions, risks and measures.

Coach

A3 dialogue and review

Present the improvement story and respond to challenge without defending weak assumptions.

Course completion

Demonstrate participation, application and professional judgement.

  • Participate in observation, mapping and A3 activities.
  • Complete a current-state and future-state value-stream map.
  • Develop and present the principal A3 problem-solving story.
  • Prepare an implementation and follow-up plan.

Participant outputs

Typical course outputs include:

  • Customer-value and value-stream scope statement.
  • Current-state value-stream map.
  • Focused A3 problem statement and analysis.
  • Future-state value-stream map.
  • Countermeasure and experiment plan.
  • Implementation, control and learning roadmap.

Delivery options

Choose the format that fits your people and operating environment.

Instructor-led

Live Classroom

Face-to-face delivery with facilitated discussion, simulations, workshops and immediate feedback.

Instructor-led

Live Virtual Classroom

Interactive online delivery using collaborative workspaces, breakout activities and guided application.

Flexible

Blended Learning

A structured combination of preparation, live sessions, applied assignments, coaching and follow-up.

Organisation-specific

Corporate and In-Company

Tailored delivery using organisational terminology, cases, data and workplace priorities where appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

Course information and participation.

Is value-stream mapping only for manufacturing?

No. The techniques can be adapted to services, information flows, healthcare, finance, administration and other knowledge-work environments.

What is the difference between an A3 report and A3 thinking?

The document makes the reasoning visible, but the value lies in the disciplined problem-solving, dialogue, evidence and learning process behind it.

Will participants map a complete enterprise?

The standard course uses a manageable product, service or process family so participants can learn the method without creating an unworkable map.

Does the course include implementation planning?

Yes. Future-state design, countermeasures, ownership, measures, risks and follow-up are integral parts of the programme.

Does completion provide a Lean certification?

The course may provide an INDENTRA completion record where applicable. It does not confer a third-party Lean credential unless explicitly stated for a specific offering.

Take the next step

Build the capability to see flow, solve the right problem and sustain improvement.

Discuss a public course or a tailored value-stream and A3 programme built around your processes, customers and improvement priorities.

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INDENTRA may adapt sequencing, exercises and examples to suit the delivery format and participant profile while preserving the stated learning outcomes. Any external examination, accreditation or third-party certification arrangement applies only when explicitly confirmed for the specific offering.