Five W's and One H Approach to Six Sigma

1. 5 Wsand 1H:
This a one of the basic problem solving technique widely used in police investigation, research
and Journalism. This technique imparts you the solution for your existing problem and can be one of the
firststepsinplanningforneartermand longterm of an individualandorganization.

2. 5 Ws and 1 H constitute aformulaforgettingthe complete storyona subject. Accordingtothe principle
of the Five Ws,a reportcan onlybe consideredcomplete if itanswersthese questionsstartingwith an
interrogative word:
 Whois itabout?
 What happened?
 Where didittake place?
 Whendidittake place?
 Whydid ithappen?
Some authorsadd a sixthquestion,“how”,tothe list,though"how"canalsobe coveredby"what",
"where",or"when":
 How did ithappen?
The "Five Ws" (andone H) were memorializedby RudyardKiplinginhis"JustSoStories"(1902), inwhich
a poemaccompanyingthe tale of "The Elephant'sChild"openswith:
I keep six honestserving-men
(They taughtmeall I knew);
Their namesare Whatand Why and When
And Howand Where and Who.
Thisis whythe "Five Wsand One H" problemsolvingmethodisalsocalledasthe "KiplingMethod",
whichhelpstoexplore the problemsbychallengingthemwiththese questions.
Source: Wikipedia
Advantages:
 Practicallyfeasible techniquesinarrivingata solutionfromproblemmode.
 Usedin everywalksof yourlife frompersonal life toprofessionallife tosocial life
 Cost-effectiveness.