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Course Overview
Recurring problems are rarely solved by quick fixes. Effective Root Cause Analysis uses a structured, evidence-based approach to identify why problems occur before deciding how to solve them. In this course, you'll learn how to frame problems, gather and analyze evidence, distinguish correlation from causation, apply practical analysis techniques, validate potential root causes, and recommend corrective actions. You'll leave with a repeatable investigation framework that helps solve problems more effectively and prevent them from recurring.
Learn a practical, evidence-based approach to investigating recurring problems. Through hands-on exercises and a case study, you'll frame problems, gather evidence, prioritize investigations, identify and validate root causes, and recommend corrective actions that address the true causes, not just the symptoms.
This course has been approved for 7 PDUs | 7 CDUs.
Private classes are available. We can tailor the training to your team’s schedule, address your organization’s challenges, and even incorporate your templates—saving you time and money. You can also add or remove topics to better align with your goals. Contact us to learn more.
Who Should Attend
This class is designed for anyone looking to enhance their ability to solve recurring problems. With a variety of methods at your disposal, you’ll be able to uncover root causes, engage stakeholders, and bring in new perspectives. This results in more thorough analysis and better problem-solving outcomes.
Course Objectives
- Explain the purpose of Root Cause Analysis and when to use it.
- Define the problem and gather evidence to identify symptoms, contributing factors, and root causes.
- Apply Root Cause Analysis techniques to identify, analyze, and validate potential causes.
- Evaluate evidence and validate the most likely root cause(s).
- Develop recommendations that address validated root causes and prevent recurrence.
- Communicate RCA findings and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
Course Outline
RCA & the Investigative Mindset
- Key RCA terms & concepts
- Why most RCA efforts fail
- When to conduct RCA
- An investigative RCA framework
- Common root cause techniques
- RCA benefits & challenges
- Activity: When to conduct an RCA
Frame the Problem
- Define the right problem to solve
- Tips to defining the problem
- How to frame a good problem statement
- Activity: Frame the problem
Gather Relevant Data
- Gather the evidence
- Where to find the evidence
- How to gather the evidence
- Activity: Identify needed evidence
- RCA technique (Pareto Chart)
- Activity: Use the Pareto principle to prioritize investigation
Analyze the Evidence
- Identify potential causal factors
- Analyze the evidence
- Areas to explore for potential causes
- Choosing the right analysis technique
- RCA techniques (fishbone diagram, mind map, process analysis, scatter diagram)
- Activity: Analyze the process, create a fishbone diagram, correlation vs causation
Validate the Root Cause(s)
- Why validate?
- From causal factors to root cause
- RCA technique (interrelationship diagram)
- Activity – Identify the primary driver of the problem
- Root cause validation checklist
Turning Insight into Action
- From Root cause to results
- Recommend solutions
- Document and communicate RCA findings
- Activity: Prepare an RCA executive summary
- RCA success tips
- Activity: Commit to action