Continuous Improvement From Symptoms to Solutions

Module I

Foundations of Continual Improvement Thinking

• Introduce continual improvement as a mindset for reducing waste and solving recurring problems at the system level
• Present the 8 Classes of Waste as a diagnostic tool for identifying improvement opportunities
• Connect visible symptoms to deeper systemic issues addressed through continual improvement thinking

Problem Statements and Descriptions

• Emphasize the importance of clear, focused problem statements to guide effective continual improvement efforts
• Practice framing problems in ways that avoid blame and promote team-based analysis

Applying Is / Is Not Analysis

• Apply Is / Is Not Analysis to define problem boundaries and avoid scope creep in continual improvement projects
• Use structured comparisons to support shared team understanding and effective root cause exploration

Using Cause and Effect Diagrams

• Construct Cause and Effect Diagrams to visually map contributing factors
• Reinforce continual improvement principles by emphasizing logic, categorization, and collaboration in identifying systemic causes

Team-Based Tools: Affinity and Interrelationship Diagrams

• Use Affinity Diagrams to group ideas and identify themes during team brainstorming
• Apply Interrelationship Digraphs to uncover patterns and prioritize continual improvement efforts based on systemic impact

Verifying the Root Cause

• Practice confirming or eliminating potential causes using data and observation
• Support evidence-based thinking to ensure continual improvement efforts target the right root causes

Module II

Tree Diagrams for Action Planning

• Break complex issues into actionable steps using Tree Diagrams
• Clarify sequencing and responsibility to support structured continual improvement implementation

Prioritization Matrices for Decision Making

• Apply Prioritization Matrices to focus team energy on high-impact actions
• Use weighted criteria to align improvement efforts with strategic continual improvement goals

Linking to PDCA and Quality Systems

• Connect root cause findings to PDCA cycles, audits, and quality systems
• Emphasize sustainability, accountability, and follow-up mechanisms to support long-term, continual improvement success

Capstone Workshop and Reflection

• Apply the complete set of continual improvement tools to a realistic case scenario
• Facilitate team collaboration to define problems, identify root causes, prioritize actions, and build an implementation plan
• Reflect on course learnings and identify next steps for applying continual improvement practices in participants' own work environments

Registration Date/Time:
6/10/2026 12:00pm Central Time

Event Dates/Times:

• 6/9/2026  12:00pm - 4:00pm Central Time
• 6/10/2026  12:00pm - 4:00pm Central Time
• 6/11/2026  12:00pm - 4:00pm Central Time
• 6/12/2026  12:00pm - 4:00pm Central Time

• Instructor

  Terry Mann

  senior lecturer

  Terry Mann is a senior lecturer with the UW-Madison College of Engineering, and has an active consulting practice assisting companies in the implementation of ISO quality and environmental management system requirements. He is an Exemplar Global Principal QMS Auditor, EMS Auditor, Medical Device Auditor and Senior ASQ Certified Quality Auditor. Terry teaches courses on quality engineering topics, including ISO Standards, Six Sigma, operations management, statistical process control, design of experiments, cellular manufacturing, and facilities layout. He earned his Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from the UW–Madison.

• Program Director

  James Rink

Fee covers course materials.

Team Discounts

Receive 10% off the registration fee per person when 3-7 individuals from the same organization enroll. Team affiliation will be confirmed as part of the registration process.

Receive 15% off the registration fee per person when 8 or more individuals from the same organization enroll. Team affiliation will be confirmed as part of the registration process.

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

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Enroll online and pay by credit card.

• Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
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• Call CERC Registrations at 608-262-2451.
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Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

• Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
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Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

If you cannot attend, please notify us by no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Because this course has limited enrollment, cancellation received after this date and no-shows are subject to the full course fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts.