HKSM
A3
A3 is a mindset and a structured problem-solving method that captures the essential context, analysis, actions, and follow-up on a single A3-sized page to enable clear thinking and communication.
Key Points
- It is both a way of thinking and a concise one-page problem-solving report.
- Follows a logical flow: background, current state, target, root cause, countermeasures, plan, results, and follow-up.
- Supports PDCA and continuous improvement through data-driven learning.
- Makes the problem visible, aligning stakeholders and enabling coaching and ownership.
Example
A Scrum Master sees recurring spillover each sprint. The team builds an A3: they document the current state (50% of stories carry over), analyze flow data, find root causes (unclear acceptance criteria and excessive WIP), and define countermeasures (refinement checklist, WIP limits, and pairing during testing). They execute the plan and review results on the same A3, reducing spillover to under 10% in four sprints.
PMP Example Question
Which tool best supports concise, systematic problem-solving by summarizing context, analysis, countermeasures, and results on one A3-sized page?
- A3
- Ishikawa (fishbone) diagram
- Risk register
- Issue log
Correct Answer: A — A3
Explanation: The A3 combines a structured thinking process with a one-page format to capture the problem, analysis, actions, and learning in a single visual document.
