Root cause analysis (v)

Summary

This course looks at how to define a problem clearly before identifying the real issues behind the presented symptoms.

We are surrounded by opportunities to improve, but how do we know if we are solving the right problem? And how do we know if we have made the right change to fix it? And what do we do if we are just stuck for ideas on what to do?

The root cause of the issue is something that can be clearly switched off and back on again; and unless this is identified any changes made will not fix the problem permanently.

Once you have identified the root cause, often the solution is straightforward. At other times, it is not easy to come up with an option to try, and this is where you need to get a bit more creative.

We have designed this interactive and intensive one-day course to provide improvement specialists with tools and an effective approach to identify key business issues and their real root causes. We also offer some creative tools to develop options for improvements.

Delivery format

Delivered using virtual classroom technology, each of the three 2-hour virtual classrooms (VC) will focus on a different topic:

• VC 1: Defining the problem
• VC 2: Data gathering tools
• VC 3: RCA support tools- Fishbone, 5 Whys, Is/Is Not

Who should attend?

This course is designed for engineers, project champions and members of improvement teams, and anyone looking to make improvements and solve complex issues.

How will I benefit?

After the workshop you will be able to:

• Define problems accurately
• Identify the key issues with a more strategic outlook
• Separate issues and symptoms
• Use a variety of root cause analysis tools to support improvement activities
• Use creative ways of generating potential solutions

Key topics

• Understanding the real issues
• Voice of the customer
• Critical to quality
• Kano model
• The “5 Why’s” vs the “So Whats?” – the Chain of Pain
• Identifying significant opportunities
• Root cause analysis
• Is/Is Not
• Comparative analysis
• Possible cause theories
• Verifying root causes
• Creative team-based tools