Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

AKA

N/A

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

A panel debate technique allows a team of panelists with diverse knowledge, experience, or opinions to debate and share their insights on a topic, problem situation, or improvement opportunity. All participants, by questioning, gain valuable and current information to promote a more in-depth understanding of a specific study topic or problem issue.

Typical application

To provide access to current information and expertise from internal or external experts.

To allow participants to interact with a panel of experts for the purpose of collecting specific information.

To consult with people who have been recognized as experts in their field.

Problem-solving phase

→	Select and define problem or opportunity
	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
	Implement and evaluate solution or change
→	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
3	Creativity/innovation
4	Engineering
	Project management
5	Manufacturing
1	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
6	Servicing/support
2	Customer/quality metrics
	Change management

links to other tools

before

Brainstorming

Buzz Group

Fishbowls

Rotating Roles

Consensus Decision Making

after

Different Point of View

Run-It-By

Fresh Eye

Critical Dialogue

Presentation

Notes and key points

Limit the size of a panel to 4 to 5 people.

Assign a panel moderator to keep the debate moving along.

Allow enough time so that key points and all questions (or prepared questions) can be discussed.

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 The team leader or facilitator contacts and schedules the members of the panel, experts in the field who can greatly contribute to the problem situation the team is presently researching.

STEP 2 Participants brainstorm the information that is needed and formulate questions prior to the actual panel debate.

STEP 3 The team facilitator, in the role of the moderator, facilitates the introductions and starts the debate/discussion. See example Panel Debate on ISO-9000 Training Issues.

STEP 4 A designated recorder records responses and key information during this interaction and date the document.

STEP 5 After completion of the panel debate, the team summarizes keypoints, identifies questions left unanswered, and discusses the next steps.