Quality & Operational Excellence

Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action

This course on Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action equips professionals with systematic techniques to identify underlying issues in processes and implement effective corrective measures. Participants will enhance their problem-solving skills, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced recurrence of issues.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

In today's fast-paced business environment, organisations face persistent challenges that can undermine productivity and quality. Identifying the root causes of these issues is crucial for long-term success. This course addresses the need for professionals to develop a structured approach to problem-solving, enabling them to tackle complex operational challenges effectively. Participants will learn to apply various analytical tools and methodologies, such as the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagram, to dissect problems systematically.

This capability is vital for making informed decisions that drive continuous improvement and operational excellence, ultimately enhancing the organisation's competitive edge.

Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply root cause analysis techniques and formulate corrective actions. By mastering these skills, they will be better equipped to make informed decisions, enhance team collaboration, and drive continuous improvement initiatives within their organisations. The course will also focus on developing actionable plans that ensure the implementation of corrective measures is effective and sustainable. This hands-on experience will empower participants to lead initiatives that not only resolve immediate issues but also prevent future occurrences, fostering a culture of proactive problem-solving.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Recurring failures addressed through temporary fixes.
Root-cause decisions based on assumptions rather than evidence.
Corrective actions without effective follow-up or verification.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and group discussions to facilitate learning. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises that involve analysing fictional case scenarios, using tools such as the Fishbone Diagram and the 5 Whys technique. Each session culminates in practical outputs, including root cause analysis reports and action plans, ensuring that participants can apply their learning to real-world situations. Additionally, peer feedback sessions will enhance collaborative learning, allowing participants to refine their approaches and share insights. This methodology ensures a comprehensive understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical applications, fostering a robust learning environment that prepares participants for real-world challenges.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse operational issues to identify root causes using systematic techniques.
Apply the 5 Whys method to uncover underlying problems in case studies.
Construct Fishbone Diagrams to visually represent potential causes of issues.
Evaluate corrective actions for effectiveness and feasibility in specific scenarios.
Prioritise corrective actions based on impact and resource availability.
Design a comprehensive action plan to address identified root causes and prevent recurrence.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Quality Assurance Professionals - responsible for maintaining standards and improving processes.
Operations Managers - tasked with optimising workflows and reducing inefficiencies.
Project Managers - needing to address issues that impact project delivery and success.
Continuous Improvement Specialists - focused on implementing best practices and enhancing performance.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Conduct thorough root cause analyses using established methodologies.
Facilitate team discussions to gather insights on problem-solving.
Develop actionable plans based on analysis findings.
Utilise visual tools to communicate complex issues effectively.
Implement corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness.
Engage stakeholders in the problem-solving process.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Introduction to Root Cause Analysis

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional case where a manufacturing defect has been reported. They will gather data, identify symptoms, and discuss potential root causes using initial brainstorming techniques, focusing on evidence-based analysis to ensure a thorough understanding of the issues at hand.

Output: A list of identified symptoms and potential root causes, documented in a structured format.

09:00–09:54Define root cause analysis and its importance in problem-solving within organisations.
09:54–10:48Explore common methodologies for root cause analysis, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
10:48–11:00Identify the difference between symptoms and root causes to avoid misdiagnosis.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identify the difference between symptoms and root causes to avoid misdiagnosis. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the role of data collection and analysis in identifying root causes effectively.
13:06–14:00Introduce key tools for root cause analysis, such as the 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagram.

Day 2Techniques for Root Cause Identification

Applied activity: In groups, participants will apply the 5 Whys technique to a case study involving a service delivery failure, documenting each step of their analysis and discussing findings to ensure comprehensive understanding and collaborative learning throughout the process.

Output: A completed 5 Whys analysis chart, detailing the root cause and contributing factors.

09:00–09:54Introduce the 5 Whys technique and its application in various scenarios to drill down to root causes.
09:54–10:48Explore the Fishbone Diagram for categorising potential causes and facilitating team discussions.
10:48–11:00Discuss the role of process mapping in identifying issues and visualising workflows.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Discuss the role of process mapping in identifying issues and visualising workflows. (continued)
12:12–13:06Examine the Pareto Principle in prioritising problems based on frequency and impact.
13:06–14:00Practice using techniques through group exercises, enhancing collaborative problem-solving skills.

Day 3Evaluating and Prioritising Causes

Applied activity: Participants will evaluate a list of potential causes from a previous case study, using a prioritisation matrix to determine which causes to address first based on impact and feasibility, fostering critical thinking and collaborative decision-making in the process.

Output: A prioritised list of root causes with justification, ready for action planning.

09:00–09:54Learn how to assess the impact of identified root causes on overall business performance and quality.
09:54–10:48Discuss criteria for prioritising corrective actions based on urgency, impact, and resource availability.
10:48–11:00Introduce risk assessment tools for decision-making, including risk matrices and impact assessments.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Introduce risk assessment tools for decision-making, including risk matrices and impact assessments. (continued)
12:12–13:06Explore stakeholder analysis in the context of corrective actions to ensure buy-in and support.
13:06–14:00Practice prioritisation through real-world examples, simulating decision-making processes.

Day 4Developing Corrective Action Plans

Applied activity: Using the prioritised root causes identified earlier, participants will develop a corrective action plan that outlines specific actions, responsible parties, and timelines, ensuring comprehensive coverage of issues and fostering accountability within teams.

Output: A comprehensive corrective action plan, including timelines and assigned responsibilities.

09:00–09:54Understand the components of an effective corrective action plan, including objectives, actions, and timelines.
09:54–10:48Learn how to set SMART objectives for corrective actions to ensure clarity and accountability.
10:48–11:00Discuss the importance of stakeholder engagement in action planning to facilitate successful implementation.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Discuss the importance of stakeholder engagement in action planning to facilitate successful implementation. (continued)
12:12–13:06Explore methods for communicating corrective actions to teams and ensuring alignment.
13:06–14:00Practice drafting a corrective action plan based on prioritised root causes identified earlier.

Day 5Integrated Application of Root Cause Analysis

Applied activity: Participants will work in teams to analyse a complex scenario involving multiple issues in a fictional organisation, applying all techniques learned to identify root causes and develop a cohesive corrective action plan, simulating real-world challenges and ensuring comprehensive application of skills.

Output: A detailed report summarising the root cause analysis and proposed corrective actions, ready for presentation.

09:00–09:54Review the entire root cause analysis process from identification to action planning, reinforcing learned concepts.
09:54–10:48Discuss the importance of monitoring and reviewing corrective actions to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
10:48–11:00Explore case studies of successful root cause analysis implementations to highlight best practices.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore case studies of successful root cause analysis implementations to highlight best practices. (continued)
12:12–13:06Practice integrating all learned techniques in a simulated scenario involving multiple issues.
13:06–14:00Prepare for ongoing improvement and learning through continuous feedback and adaptation.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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