Conducting Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

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Course Overview

Recurring problems don’t just waste time—they drain resources and damage trust. This Root Cause Analysis training course empowers professionals to stop problems at their source using structured, repeatable tools. You’ll learn how to investigate incidents effectively, apply RCA techniques like the 5 Whys and cause-and-effect diagrams, and create corrective actions that prevent recurrence. Whether you're new to RCA or need a stronger foundation, this course helps you build lasting problem-solving skills that make a measurable difference.

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

    By the end of this root cause analysis training course, participants will be equipped to clearly define and scope workplace problems, use structured analysis techniques such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and Cause Mapping, and conduct team-based investigations to uncover the true root causes behind recurring issues. Learners will gain the skills to collect and evaluate relevant data, identify patterns, and develop corrective actions that effectively address systemic issues. This course also prepares participants to document findings clearly and support continuous improvement efforts across quality, safety, and operational teams.

Course Outline

  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Overview
    • Key terms and foundational concepts
    • Overview of RCA framework
    • Common RCA techniques
    • Creating and managing an RCA team
    • Benefits and challenges of RCA
  • Define the Problem
    • Determine the right problem to solve
    • Use elicitation techniques to gather input
    • Write clear and actionable problem statements
  • Collect Relevant Data
    • Identify what data to collect and where to find it
    • Understand types of data and collection methods
    • Apply tools like the 5 Whys and Pareto Chart
  • Identify Potential Causal Factors
    • Brainstorm and organize contributing factors
    • Use Fishbone Diagram, Mind Map, Process Analysis, and Scatter Diagram
    • Analyze relationships among causes
  • Determine the Root Cause(s)
    • Apply critical thinking and validation steps
    • Use the Interrelationship Diagram
    • Separate contributing factors from root causes
  • Summarize & Document Analysis Results
    • Document findings and proposed solutions
    • Present results to leadership or process owners
  • Recommend and Monitor Solutions
    • Identify corrective actions based on findings
    • Plan for solution implementation and monitoring
    • Avoid common RCA failure points
    • Final best practices and facilitator tips

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Class Dates & Times

Class times are listed Eastern time

This is a 1-day class

Class dates not listed.
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The classes listed are available to all United Training customers and does not reflect, in any way,
the availability or support of technology within the University of Maine System.