1. Introduction 62. First Principles Problem Solving - why first principles? 153. Opportunity identification/definition - initial team formation 354. Hypothesis testing 465. Scenario development 566. Value of project 577. Team management and roles 618. Stakeholder Identification, Analysis, and Communication plan 949. Generating, Selecting, and Implementing Solutions to the Problem 15110. Sustaining the Gains and Control plans 19011. Project Wrap-up 22112. The big world of problems 22413. Corrosion problems 23614. Mechanical issues 23915. Color 24716. Emphasis is on speed, low cost, productivity and right answer 25617. Literature 25818. Scientific Method 26319. Process Data Analysis 26520. First Principles Modeling 28321. Analytical 29622. Engineering disciplines examples 30923. Six Sigma, LEAN and Continuous Improvement 31524. Theory of Constraints 32625. Visual presentation 339Appendix1. Scientific Method Practice Levels 346
Zdravko I. Stefanov PhD (Texas Tech University) is an experienced problem solver with 20 years of demonstrated history of working in the pulp & paper and the chemicals industry. He has extensive experience in chemical engineering, multivariate data analysis, advanced process control and continuous improvement.Eldad Herceg PhD (University of Illinois) is an accomplished industrial problem solver and holds experience in applied Quantum Mechanics with an emphasis on solid-state chemistry and processes.Carla Schmidt PhD (University of Texas) began her career in 1998. As a Fundamental Problem Solver, she uses analytical chemistry to identify the root causes of manufacturing and R&D problems such as fouling, corrosion and trace chemistries that lead to color and odor issues.David M. Jacobson is a University of Kansas BS Chem. Engr. with 32 years in the chemical industry and certifications in Six Sigma Master Blackbelt, Lean, and now working in Fundamental Problem Solving.Dana Livingston is a University of Wyoming B.S Ch,E.1980 and University of California, Hass MBA 1990 with 42 years at The Dow Chemical Company and Corteva Agriscience working on complex projects in manufacturing and process development.J.P. Chauvel, Jr PhD (University of California) has worked at Dow Chemical in many roles for over 30 years, focusing on problem solving in manufacturing processes.Sunil Kumar Chaudhary, PhD (Lucknow University, India) worked in Analytical Sciences and Analytical Technology Center at the Dow Chemical Company for 30 years, leading large multidisciplinary complex projects and teaching the next generation of problem solvers.Christopher Paul Christenson had a distinguished four-decade career with The Dow Chemical Company as a Corporate Fellow.