Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

AKA

SCAMPER Questions

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

The SCAMPER tool is an outcome of the creative facilitation work performed by Alex F. Osborne in the 1950s. Consisting of a checklist of simple questions, this tool can be used by a team to explore the issues and question everything to formulate new, fresh ideas. Problem-solving teams often produce many solution ideas when responding to the SCAMPER questions asked.

Typical application

To question and identify improvement opportunities for processes, products, and services.

To formulate alternative ideas for problem solving or process change.

To produce a large number of solution ideas.

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

links to other tools

before

Brainstorming

Checksheet

Defect Map

Pareto Chart

Events Log

after

Starbursting

Countermeasures Matrix

Problem Analysis

Process Analysis

Solution Matrix

Notes and key points

The mnemonic SCAMPER (developed by Bob Eberle) stands for:
- S - Substitute?
- C - Combine?
- A - Adapt?
- M - Modify? Magnify?
- P - Put to other uses?
- E - Eliminate? Minimize?
- R - Reverse? Rearrange?

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 Assemble a representative team with knowledge of the topic, issue, or problem to be analyzed. See example Defective Flashlight Switch.

STEP 2 One by one, the idea-spurring SCAMPER questions are presented to the team.

STEP 3 Participants discuss the questions and formulate ideas. Responses are recorded as the SCAMPER checklist or questions are completed.

Example of tool application

Defective Flashlight Switch

SCAMPER Questions—Defective Switch	Date xx/xx/xx
S - Can we substitute a more reliable switch?
C - Combine slide switch assembly with the signaling button?
A - What ideas or concepts can be adapted from other similar switches?
M - Modify the switch to have fewer parts?
P - Can the switch be put to other uses?
E - Can the switch be eliminated or exchanged?
R - How can we rearrange the components of the switch to a more robust design?