Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving – Advanced
Offered via Instructor-Led (2 days)
Learn the fundamentals of RCA to identify issues, analyze causes, and support lasting solutions
No upcoming classes scheduled.

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This two-day RCA Advanced course provides a comprehensive, structured methodology for Root Cause Analysis, moving beyond symptoms to identify and eliminate the underlying systemic causes of problems. Day 1 covers fundamental tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone, and Pareto analysis. Day 2 progresses to advanced topics like Multi-Node RCA, defining problems by cost/risk, and embedding RCA in management systems for continual improvement

Description

This intensive, two-day RCA Advanced course is designed to equip participants with both foundational knowledge and sophisticated techniques required to address complex organizational issues.

Day 1: RCA Fundamentals focuses on the core methodology and basic tool application. You will learn the problem-solving mindset, the importance of defining a problem beyond its symptoms, and how to use key RCA tools:

  • Brainstorming to generate ideas,
  • The 5 Whys to drill down to root causes,
  • Fishbone Diagram to systematically organize potential causes, and
  • The Pareto Principle to prioritize the "vital few" causes for action.

A strong emphasis is placed on gathering factual evidence and converting verified causes into effective, SMART corrective and preventive actions.

Day 2: Advanced Application moves into mastering complex problem scenarios. You will refine problem definition by quantifying impact using direct, indirect, and intangible costs, and by conducting risk assessments (e.g., using Risk Priority Number).

  • The course introduces advanced data gathering tools like Timelines, Workflow Diagrams, and Forensic Data to ensure data is complete and unbiased.
  • Another important module teaches Multi-Node RCA, a critical skill for visualizing and solving real-world problems where multiple branching causes converge.

The course concludes with strategies for avoiding common pitfalls, capturing lessons learned, and embedding RCA into the organization’s continual improvement and management system (PDCA cycle) for long-term sustainability.

Learning Objectives​

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Distinguish between a symptom, a quick fix, and a sustainable corrective action.

  • Apply the problem-solving mindset and effectively use brainstorming techniques and ground rules for idea generation.

  • Utilize core RCA tools—the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, and Pareto Principle—to systematically identify, categorize, and prioritize the “vital few” potential causes of an issue.

  • Develop an advanced problem definition by quantifying the impact using direct, indirect, and intangible costs, and by assessing risks for proper prioritization.

  • Select and apply advanced data gathering tools (Timelines, Spaghetti Maps, Forensic Data) to validate evidence and reveal process patterns, overcoming common challenges like biased interviews and data silos.

  • Conduct a Multi-Node RCA to map and analyze complex real-world problems where multiple causal branches converge, ensuring all contributing factors are addressed.

  • Formulate SMART, effective, and sustainable corrective actions and verify the true root cause before implementation.

  • Identify common RCA pitfalls, establish a ‘lessons learned’ process, and integrate the entire RCA methodology into the organizational management system (e.g., ISO/API standards) for continuous, blame-free improvement.

Prerequisites​

The Advanced Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving training course does not have any prerequisite courses.

This second day of this course is a continuation of the 1-Day Fundamentals of Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving training course.

Teaching Methods

Summary Agenda

Day 1: RCA Fundamentals & Core Tools

  • Module 1: Introduction & Mindset: What is RCA, Why it Matters, The Problem-Solving Mindset, Defining Problems (Symptoms vs. Causes).

  • Module 2: Tool Application: Overview of RCA Tools. In-depth application of Brainstorming Techniques and Ground Rules, the 5 Whys method and its pitfalls, the Fishbone (Cause & Effect) Diagram and 6M categories, and the Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule) for prioritization (Frequency vs. Severity).

  • Module 3: Solution Phase: Collecting and Organizing Factual Information & Evidence. Verifying the Root Cause. Formulating SMART Corrective Actions (CA vs. Quick Fix, Correction vs. Prevention).

  • Module 4: Embedding RCA: Linking RCA to Continual Improvement and the PDCA Cycle, Integrating RCA into the Management System (ISO/API).

Day 2: Advanced Application & Sustainability

  • Module 5: Refresher & Advanced Problem Definition: Quick Recap of Day 1 Fundamentals. Advanced Problem Definition, Quantifying Impact by Direct, Indirect, and Intangible Costs, and Risk Assessment (RPN).

  • Module 6: Advanced Data Gathering: In-depth selection and use of Advanced Data Gathering Tools including Timelines, Workflow Diagrams, Spaghetti Maps, and Forensic Data to validate and strengthen evidence.

  • Module 7: Multi-Node RCA: Transitioning from Single-Path to Multi-Node RCA for complex problems, visualizing causal interactions, and identifying convergence points.

  • Module 8: Sustainment & Simulation: Common RCA Pitfalls and Lessons Learned. Sustaining RCA Improvements and Embedding RCA into Organizational Culture. End-to-End RCA Simulation and Workshop.

Successful Completion​

Successful completion of the RCA Advanced course requires:

  • 100% attendance and active engagement in all modules and workshops.
  • Passing a test at the end of Day 1.
  • Successful execution of the end-to-end RCA Simulation. This includes correctly applying multiple RCA tools, defining a complex problem by cost and risk, conducting a Multi-Node analysis, and formulating a set of effective, sustainable corrective actions.

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