PIMA and CPBIS continue online successful training program with
Kepner-Tregoe’s “Problem Solving at the Speed of Business"

Glenview, IL, March 14, 2003 – The Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA) and the Center for Paper Business and Industry Studies (CPBIS) launched their series of Web-based training programs for paper industry professionals in the first quarter of 2003, with much success. One participant of the inaugural session of the “Defining & Achieving a Reliability Culture” series gave the following review:

“Wow! What a great training event! Our experience was extremely positive. Through programs like this one, PIMA is providing value to the mills!”
And from a subsequent session, feedback from a Vice President:

“We had 15 attendees from our site this time around and more department managers. After the session, we talked for another hour about what ideas were generated. There was great discussion between management and the predictive folks in the group. It's obvious that the people there got great value from the session and the forum it provided for discussion.”

In a joint effort with Kepner-Tregoe, Inc., PIMA and CBPIS continue the popular and successful online training program in April with a new two-part series: “Problem Solving at the Speed of Business.” Both of the 90-minute sessions—designed for superintendents, managers, technicians, supervisors, planners and engineers—will present a logical, systematic process used by organizations worldwide to identify, find the root cause of, and fix persistent, costly operational problems.

Bill Hauserman (Partner and Paper Industry Practice Leader, Kepner-Tregoe) will present the program. Harry Seamans, VP of Pulp & Paperboard, Potlatch Corporation, will provide the introduction. Dave O'Donnell, VP & General Manager, Sweetwater Paperboard (Caraustar) will share his successes with the Kepner-Tregoe problem solving approach.

Participants will:

• learn the value of a rational approach to problem solving (speed, accuracy, business results)
• discover the structure and emphasis of the Problem Analysis process
• understand the key behaviors required for this rational approach to yield results
• participate in interactive use of the process
• interact with a process expert, as well as an industry manager currently using the approach

Part I: Introduction to Problem Analysis—April 9: This session introduces the Kepner-Tregoe Problem Analysis process and provides examples of practical, results-producing applications.

Part II: Advanced Problem Analysis—April 23: This course focuses on identifying cause when either too many or too few possible causes are known, and addresses possible actions to take once cause is known.
Registration is $200 for PIMA members/CPBIS sponsors, $400 for non-members, per session. Participation requires an Internet connection, sound card and computer speakers. Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to sign up early.

For more information on the courses and to register, please visit us on the web at http://www.pimaweb.org (to go directly to the PIMA page about these courses, please click here). Alternatively, call PIMA Member Services at 847/375-6860.

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About PIMA: The Paper Industry Management Association (PIMA) is the premier association for management professionals in the paper and pulp industry. Our purpose is to contribute to the strength of the international pulp and paper community by providing the means for our members to address relevant industry issues and to develop their management and leadership skills.

About CPBIS: The Center for Paper Business and Industry Studies (CPBIS) is a globally recognized and industry-valued academic center, creating knowledge and tools that support paper industry decision-makers, and producing interdisciplinary graduates who contribute to the long-term success of the paper industry. The CPBIS is co-sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST), the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), and the Paper Industry.
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