Table of Contents

1. Introduction 6

2. First Principles Problem Solving – why first principles? 15

3. Opportunity identification/definition – initial team formation 35

4. Hypothesis testing 46

5. Scenario development 56

6. Value of project 57

7. Team management and roles 61

8. Stakeholder Identification, Analysis, and Communication plan 94

9. Generating, Selecting, and Implementing Solutions to the Problem 151

10. Sustaining the Gains and Control plans 190

11. Project Wrap-up 221

12. The big world of problems 224

13. Corrosion problems 236

14. Mechanical issues 239

15. Color 247

16. Emphasis is on speed, low cost, productivity and right answer 256

17. Literature 258

18. Scientific Method 263

19. Process Data Analysis 265

20. First Principles Modeling 283

21. Analytical 296

22. Engineering disciplines examples 309

23. Six Sigma, LEAN and Continuous Improvement 315

24. Theory of Constraints 326

25. Visual presentation 339

Appendix

1. Scientific Method Practice Levels 346

About the Author

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.