ENG 1101 Renaissance Engineer 1: Problem Solving, Communication & Ethics Winter 2021
Assignment 4: Creative Problem Solving
Case Study on Boeing 737 Max
This case study is designed to replicate the activity we did in class, using the fishbone chart (cause and effect
diagram) to structure your analysis of the root causes of the fatal accidents linked to Boeings introduction of the
MCAT system.
As in real life, there is a lot of data, and we are asking you to review the reports attached and the video
(https://youtu.be/H2tuKiiznsY), so that you can add causes and root causes linked to each of the six main
categories identified in class on the fishbone diagram and shared below:
How should you approach the assignment?
1. Read the attached documents and watch the video (feel free to access other relevant online resources but
make sure you cite sources if you use them in your answer).
2. Review these sources,and start by making notes on the primary root causes of the accidents (be sure to include at least one root under each of the six headings identified).
3. Use miro.com to complete your fishbone chart, and when you are done export the pdf for submission.
4. Start by setting up your free account (if you dont already have one) and select the fishbone template. Modify embedded template to include the 6 causes listed and modify the outcome box.
5. Use virtual post it notes on miro to identify important causes of the accidents, start by adding six linked to the six cause types (people, methods….). Once you have these six you can add additional primary causes….. (you might find it useful to colour code the virtual post-it notes to help make the fishbone clearer (see example below from the Lac Megantic case (note only one of the six branches included in example).
6. For each of the primary causes, use the Five Whys approach, to identify underlying causes of the issue you identified. Add these additional causes (using different colour virtual post it notes). (Add the five whys questions on the chart see example chart).
7. Keep asking the Five Whys until you get to what you believe is the root cause using different colour virtual post it notes. Then add a final one that identifies an opportunity to address the root cause (in a different colour). Where possible add a How Might We statement linked to the underlying root cause. Make sure the How Might We statement is not too general to be un-addressable, or too specific to only allow a single solution, eliminate viable solutions or limit the likelihood of finding a solution.
8. Overall, we would like you to provide 15 causes, or causes of causes, including at least one for each of the six categories (note we only include one category in the example above). Add the five whys questions and how might we statements.
2 ENG 1101 Assignment 4
9. Highlight common solutions that might address more than one root cause (indicated in the example by similarly coloured virtual post it notes).
10. Write a Summary Statement (min 200 – max. 500 words) of your overall approach/strategy for constructing the fishbone diagram. Be sure to emphasize any relevant connections that emerge or any interesting outputs of the 5 Whys or HMW tools. Youre welcome to employ bullet points/lists to supplement (in addition to) your statement.
11. When you have finished editing the miro, select the area of the drawing that includes the content and save as a pdf be sure your name and student number are visible somewhere in the diagram. Name it with your name, assignment 4 and submit at eClass as pdf file.
12. Finally, please submit your summary statement as a separate file on the TurnItIn submission link. Failure to submit a summary document will result in a grade of zero on this assignment.
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