What 5W2H is
5W2H is an action planning tool that defines, for each action, what will be done, why, where, when, who, how and how much it will cost. It turns a good idea into a concrete action with an owner and a deadline.
5W2H visual map
The map lists the 7 questions, a filled-in example, the steps and the connection with PDCA and the fishbone diagram.
The 7 questions
| Question | Defines |
|---|---|
| What? | The action |
| Why? | The reason and the expected result |
| Where? | The location |
| When? | The deadline |
| Who? | The owner |
| How? | The method and the steps |
| How much? | The cost |
Filled-in example
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What? | Implement a parameter checklist on injection molding machine 3 |
| Why? | Reduce flash from 4% to 1% |
| Where? | Injection molding machine 3 |
| When? | By October 30 |
| Who? | Production supervisor |
| How? | Create the checklist, train the operators on all 3 shifts and audit daily |
| How much? | $800 (training and printing) |
The action comes from the fishbone diagram analysis, which pointed to the missing parameter standard as the root cause of flash.
Step by step
- Define the problem and the target.
- Answer the 7 questions for each action.
- Put the plan in a table, one row per action.
- Confirm owners and deadlines with the team.
- Execute.
- Follow up in short, regular meetings.
- Review results and adjust the plan.
Connection with PDCA and the fishbone diagram
In PDCA, 5W2H closes the Plan step: after the fishbone diagram and the 5 Whys have identified the causes, it turns each confirmed cause into an action. An A3 report often carries the 5W2H plan in its countermeasures section.
Tips for a plan that moves
- One owner per action, even if many people take part.
- Realistic deadlines agreed with the people doing the work.
- Specific, verifiable actions: "implement a checklist" rather than "improve the process".
- Costs visible from the start.
- Frequent follow-up on a board the team can see.
Common mistakes
- Vague answers.
- No owner, or several owners for the same action.
- Unrealistic deadlines.
- A plan with no defined cause.
- Forgetting the cost.
- Not following up.
Frequently asked questions
What is 5W2H?
An action planning tool that answers what, why, where, when, who, how and how much for each action.
What does 5W2H stand for?
What, Why, Where, When, Who (5W), How and How much (2H).
What is the difference between 5W1H and 5W2H?
5W2H adds How much, the cost of the action.
When should 5W2H be used?
To solve problems, organize improvements, implement projects and assign responsibilities.
How does 5W2H relate to PDCA?
It details the actions of the Plan step after the causes have been identified.
Sources
- TAGUE, N. R. The Quality Toolbox. Milwaukee: ASQ Quality Press.
- ISHIKAWA, K. What Is Total Quality Control? The Japanese Way. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.
- SHOOK, J. Managing to Learn. Cambridge, MA: Lean Enterprise Institute.
Want action plans that actually get done?
Download the free "Problem Solving Kit" e-book, with PDCA, A3, 5 Whys and Ishikawa.
Download the e-book
About the author
Lean Manufacturing & Behavioral Management Specialist
Over 20 years in the automotive and metalworking industries (GM and Dana), Lean Manufacturing practitioner since 2006. SENAI instructor and mentor in Brazil’s Brasil Mais Produtivo program, delivering consulting, training and audits for 50+ companies, combining quality, productivity and people development.