How does the A3 and PDCA steps relate to problem-solving?

Assigning roles and responsibilities in problem-solving is significant as it ensures that each aspect of the problem is addressed by a dedicated individual or team. This promotes efficiency and effectiveness in the problem-solving process. It helps in avoiding confusion and overlapping of tasks, ensuring that all tasks are completed within the stipulated time. It also fosters accountability, as each team member is aware of their specific tasks and responsibilities.

Customer surveys and market research are crucial tools in problem-solving. They provide valuable insights into customer needs, preferences, and behaviors. This data can help identify the root cause of a problem, validate or invalidate hypotheses, and guide decision-making. For instance, if a business is facing a decline in sales, a customer survey can reveal if it's due to product quality, pricing, or customer service. Similarly, market research can provide information about market trends, competition, and potential opportunities. Thus, these tools contribute to problem-solving by providing evidence-based insights to inform strategies and actions.

The first column in the work planning sheet is crucial as it covers the issue and hypothesis. This is where the problem or challenge that needs to be addressed is identified and a preliminary theory or assumption is made about it. This sets the direction for the subsequent analysis and actions.