Overview

The A3 is not just a template to “fill in”. It’s a disciplined problem solving and communication method that helps you convert messy, situational complexity into clear, shareable logic that others can act on. It creates one sheet, one story, one theme, and one logical flow that makes relationships visible, invites feedback, and aligns a team around action.

In modern work, information is often abstract, contextual and contested. This program builds A3 capability at individual, team and organisation levels through short online sessions, structured weekly practice and coaching. You will bring a real problem, apply the method between workshops, review what changed, and embed the practice over time. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Explain what an A3 is (and is not), and when to use it for different problem types (event, setting, breakthrough).

• Structure a problem with a clear theme and logical flow that clarifies current vs ideal situation.

• Break problems into processes, set meaningful targets, and analyse progress.

• Perform root cause analysis and identify critical success factors.

• Plan countermeasures and connect results back into standardisation and management systems.

• Present and report effectively using an A3 report that earns cooperation and drives action.

Course content

Pre work

Access set up in the learning portal and course materials.

Bring a current problem to the workshop if possible, or identify one after the first session.

Session 1: A3 foundations

A3 as a method for solving different types of problems: event, setting, breakthrough.

Session 2: Themes and problem structure

Developing themes and structuring problems to expose relationships.

Selecting the logical flow to understand current and ideal situations.

Session 3: Process and targets

Breaking down a problem into processes and setting targets.

Session 4: Root cause and success factors

Root cause analysis and critical success factor analysis.

Session 5: Countermeasures and standardisation

Countermeasure planning.

Results and process analysis of successfully solving a problem.

Standardisation revision to management systems.

Session 6: A3 reporting

Presenting and reporting on an A3 report.

This course includes

• Workshop via Zoom
• Access to Recordings and Resources via the LMS 
• Certificate of Completion

Who Should Attend

This program is suited to people who need to solve and communicate complex problems in a way that builds alignment and action, including:

• Operational excellence, continuous improvement and Lean practitioners building practical problem solving capability.

• Leaders and managers working across functions where cooperation and shared understanding are essential.

• Office, project and service teams dealing with abstract or ambiguous information flows who need a clear, standard method to progress work.

• Anyone who wants a structured way to turn complexity into a repeatable practice that can be taught, improved and embedded into management routines.

Instructor

BARRY MCCARTHY

Barry McCarthy’s career highlights include Plant Manager and Continuous Improvement Manager at Goodman Fielder and his most recent position with Toyota. Barry has worked with the Manufacturing, Sales and Corporate Arms of Toyota in Australia. With a grounded engineering background Barry has also implemented continuous improvement in food processing, manufacturing, packaging, printing, and front of house food service and management. In addition to the practical experience Barry has completed a Master degree in Applied Positive Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Business, Diploma of Training and Assessment, Diploma in Competitive Systems and Practices. Interestingly Barry’s first degree was civil engineering.

Requirements

• No prior knowledge is required,

• Course built to be open to all levels

• Reach out to the facilitator if you need any assistance

Other registration information

The host site reserves the right to decline registrations from competing organisations.

You can become an AME member from $240.

This event may be cancelled by AME for any reason. AME is not responsible for incidental costs incurred by registrants.

AME may take photographs during events and may use those photographs for AME’s purposes.