Duration: 2 Days
Course Overview
Root cause analysis is the process by which we discover the underlying cause of difficulties in a business process or processes. Often businesses waste a great of money in fixing the symptoms of a problem, rather than the problem itself. In this two-day course, participants learn to apply a systematic end-to-end process for analysing problems to uncover their root cause.
How can I attend my course?
COURSE OBJECTIVES
• Kick-Off a root cause analysis process
• Gather data to investigate recurrent problems and process/non-process incidents
• Elicit data using a range of elicitation techniques
• Analyse the elicited data to understand the likely root cause of a problem
• Employ industry standard techniques to differentiate between symptoms and root causes
• Identify the appropriate techniques to deploy during root cause identification
• Avoid future problems by developing continuous improvement techniques that will address causal factors and root causes
• Develop an organisational process to identify systemic problem areas
• Develop a Root Cause Analysis mind-set
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving approaches to root cause analysis
• Work with proven techniques to enhance your strategic thinking skills
• Draft a problem statement that clearly defines your challenge;
• Employ innovative thinking techniques to generate business solutions
• Harness a creative thinking process that helps you explore all possible solutions;
• Identify the best solutions and create successful implementation plans
Course Content
Introduction and Objectives
• Describing a “Problem”
• Why do problems re-occur?
• Defining the Root Cause
• How Root Causes impact organisational efficiency and effectiveness
Organizing Your Root Cause Analysis Approach
• Required roles and responsibilities for Root Cause Analysis
• Building the Root Cause Analysis team
• The impact of communication styles
• Resolving conflict
• Case Study Activity
Identifying the Problem
• Defining selection criteria
• Planning a Root Cause Analysis project
• Finalising your plan
• Getting stakeholder buy in
• Case Study Activity
Defining the Problem
• Exploring the problem
• Moving from problem-as-given (PAG) to problem-as-understood (PAU)
• Developing your problem statement
• Elaborating the problem specification
• Case Study Activity
Identifying the Problem Source
• Identifying the real causes or drivers
• Selecting an appropriate analysis technique
• Root cause analysis techniques:
1. Cause and effect diagrams
2. The 5 Whys
3. Mind maps
• Determining the source of the problem
• Case Study Activity
Solution Options Analysis
• Evaluating different solution options
• Brainstorming options/solutions;
• Common brainstorming techniques;
• Idea mapping techniques and their application
• Using a Weighted Rating Matrix
• Selecting the appropriate option
• Planning the proposal
• Selecting the “Best Fit” option
• Case Study Activity
Implementing the Solution
• What is required to implement the recommendation;
• The Deming Cycle – PDCA
• Developing your implementation plan
• Creating an efficient transition from “old” to “new”
• Case Study Activity
Measurement and Continuous Improvement
• Measuring the benefits
• Linking benefits to the identified problem or opportunity
• Organising a “lessons learned” analysis of your approach
• Creating a Root Cause Analysis program within your organization
• Developing appropriate root cause analysis processes to avoid future problems