This book offers a unique insight into the mental processes which are most effective in troubleshooting practical process problems. It illustrates many different problem-solving techniques, using examples drawn from the author's extensive experience in the converting industry. Once mastered, the tools and techniques presented in this book will allow you to approach any new problem with the confidence to unearth its workings and its cause(s). The key is to focus on a full understanding of the problem; the solutions will then come naturally. The style allows readers with no technical background to benefit greatly — a working knowledge of the terminology and concepts that are common in web manufacturing is expected. Every converting shop should have a copy in its reception area and lunch room, as well as in its library and among the personal collections of key employees. Extremely highly recommended.

From the Foreword: “Those readers who enjoyed my Mechanics trilogy will find the flavor very different in this new series of books [two more are in the works]. While Mechanics contained equations and other technical paraphernalia, Converting explores the more subjective areas of knowledge and understanding...The primary purpose of this book is to teach many different problem solving techniques by example. The examples often come from converting — hence the title — but could also come from everyday life...”

From “How to Use This Book”: “You can access the material in this book in many different ways depending on your needs. You could read it like a novel from beginning to end because the stepwise sequence is the same order you typically use to solve a problem...A reader can also use the material as a textbook with parts used solely or with other materials to teach a course in critical thinking or problem solving. For puzzle lovers, the book contains many examples that begin with a problem statement (goal) and observations (data) before proceeding to the analysis and solution. You may stop at any point and consider how you would proceed or what conclusions you would draw from the description at that point...Finally, the book is useful as a tour of human perception and thinking...”

Target Audience: A vast audience — the entire population of manufacturing and technical services employees in the converting industry, and in countless other industries which can draw from the examples and concepts presented in this book.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Irrational Thought

Logic

Define the Problem

Data Gathering

Determine the Options

Decide What to Do

Do Plan Your Project

Problem Solving Pitfalls

The Critical Thinker

Appendices

Index