QSC 256 - Problem Solving

Description
This course will provide students with a practical and comprehensive overview of the top 10 problem-solving tools used in industry. Along with theoretical concepts, this class will also introduce assignments designed to help students with the skills to effectively identify, analyze, and resolve complex issues in professional settings.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None.
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Quality Science Certificate

General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:

Explain the foundations and practical applications of major industrial problem-solving tools.
Apply problem-solving tools such as PDCA and DMAIC to analyze, design, and improve manufacturing and service processes.
Interpret and evaluate data using analytical tools to identify patterns, trends, and root causes of operational problems.
Formulate corrective and preventive actions that address verified root causes through evidence-based reasoning and structured analysis.
Construct and utilize visual analytical models to convey information and communicate problem relationships effectively.
Assess process performance improvements by integrating control mechanisms and continuous improvement principles consistent with industrial practices.

Course Outline:

5 Whys
- Application of Asking Questions
Fishbone Diagram
- Investigating the Structure and Cause Categories
Pareto Chart
- “The Vital Few” vs. “The Trivial Many.”
PDCA Cycle
- Plan, Do, Check, Act
DMAIC
- Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control
FMEA
- Failure Modes and Effects Analysis
Brainstorming
- Generation of Ideas
Process Mapping
- Finding Inefficiencies and Bottlenecks
SWOT Analysis
- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
8D
- Eight Disciplines

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
Yes
Instructional Strategies:
20-40% Homework

30-40% Assignments and Exercises

20-30% Tests and Evaluations
Mandatory Course Components:
none
Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: NA

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None.

GRCC Course Type:
Elective: Expands learning opportunities for degree seeking students. May or may not be required for students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 105463
Course CIP Code: 15.0799
Maximum Course Enrollment: 24
Course Software Utilized: Minitab and Minitab Workspace.

School: School of Business & Industry
Department: Manufacturing
Discipline: QSC
First Term Valid: Fall 2026 (8/1/2026)
1st Catalog Year: 2026-2027
Name of Course Author:
Chris McDonald

Faculty Credential Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
None.

Course Review & Revision Year: 2030-2031