100-Metodos-de-Qualidade-Total

MANAGEMENT METHODS
59
Method 21
Potential problem analysis (PPA)
Purpose
To examine plans to identify what can go wrong with them, so that
preventive action can be taken.
When to use
Potential problem analysis (PPA) is used when plans are first drawn up and
subsequently at planning reviews to anticipate future problems and plan
contingency actions.
How to use
PPA is a very simple technique for a team to examine plans. There are
eight steps:
1 Draw up the plan in time order.
2 Flowchart the plan, identifying all the key steps where specific outputs
are needed.
3 At each key step brainstorm the problems that could occur.
4 Rate the potential problems using the following scheme:
• Likelihood 10 (very likely) to 1 (very unlikely)
• Severity 10 (catastrophic) to 1 (mild)
Multiply the likelihood by the severity to get the potential problem risk
(PPR) number.
5 For each potential problem, identify the likely causes. This is done first
for problems with a high PPR number. All problems with a PPR above
50 or a likelihood or severity above 7 must be prevented.
6 For each cause, brainstorm the courses of action that could be taken to
prevent it happening.
7 For problems that can be prevented, take the necessary steps to remove
the potential cause.
8 For problems that cannot be prevented, draw up contingency plans to
rectify the problem if it occurs.
Benefits
By anticipating problems with plans before they occur, and either removing
them by prevention or drawing up contingency plans, smooth implementation
of projects can be achieved.