​Description
 

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a problem-solving technique that seeks to identify the primary cause of a problem. By focusing on the root cause, organizations can prevent the problem from recurring and develop long-term solutions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

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RCA uses tools such as the 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram to identify the underlying causes of a problem. The 5 Whys technique involves asking "why" multiple times to dig deeper into the root cause. The Cause & Effect Diagram categorizes potential causes, such as people, process, and equipment, to identify root causes quickly.

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It's essential to prioritize root causes with a Pareto Chart, which displays the relative frequency or size of the root causes. By addressing the most significant causes first, teams can often solve multiple problems at once.

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However, RCA has some pitfalls to avoid. It's crucial to avoid making assumptions about the root cause and involve stakeholders from all relevant areas. RCA should also be an ongoing process, allowing organizations to identify trends and make systemic changes.

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This RCA presentation is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as a problem-solving technique. The presentation highlights the importance of identifying the root cause of a problem and how RCA can be used to achieve this. Participants will learn how to apply common RCA tools such as the 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram to identify the root cause of a problem. They will also gain knowledge on how to prioritize root causes using a Pareto Chart to focus on the most significant causes first. The presentation will also cover the pitfalls in root cause analysis, highlighting the importance of avoiding making assumptions, involving stakeholders, and making RCA an ongoing process. By the end of the presentation, participants will have a deep understanding of RCA and be equipped with the skills needed to identify and solve problems effectively.

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Learning Objectives

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1. Understand the importance of identifying root causes in problem solving

2. Describe how to apply common Root Cause Analysis tools such as 5 Whys and Cause & Effect Diagram to identify root causes

3. Learn how to prioritize root causes with a Pareto Chart

4. Gain awareness of the pitfalls in root cause analysis

 

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Contents

 

1. Key Concepts & Principles of Root Cause Analysis

• What is Root Cause Analysis?

• Root Cause: The "Evil at the Bottom"

• Relationship of Problems, Symptoms and Root Causes

• Why Root Cause Analysis?

• Principles of Root Cause Analysis

• Applications of Root Cause Analysis

• Root Cause Analysis Tools

 

2. Overview of a Problem Solving Process

• What is a Problem?

• Problem Solving Funnel

• A Simple Problem Solving Process

• PDCA Problem Solving Process

• DMAIC Problem Solving Process

• 8D Problem Solving Process

• What is a Root Cause?

• Dealing with Root Causes

 

3. Root Cause Analysis using 5 Whys

• What is the 5 Whys?

• Benefits of the 5 Whys

• When is 5 Whys Most Used?

• 5 Whys Preparation

• How to Complete the 5 Whys

• 5 Whys Process Funnel

• Examples of 5 Whys

• 5 Whys: Key Points

• Drawbacks of the 5 Whys

• Group Activity: 5 Whys Analysis

 

4. Root Cause Analysis using Cause & Effect Diagram

• Cause & Effect Diagram

• When to Use

• Benefits

• Cause & Effect Diagram (Manufacturing)

• Cause & Effect Diagram (Service)

• Examples of Cause & Effect Diagrams

• How to Construct a Cause & Effect Diagram

• Cause & Effect Diagram: Considerations

• Cause & Effect Diagram: Practice Tips

• Checklists for the 5M1E

• Corrective Actions

 

5. Root Cause Prioritization using Pareto Chart

• Introduction to Pareto Chart

• Pareto Chart: Purpose & When to Use

• Pareto Chart - Data Collection

• Example of Pareto Chart

• How to Construct a Pareto Chart

• Pareto Chart: Tips & Tricks 

 

6. Pitfalls to Avoid

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You may also be interested in the following training presentations (sold separately):​

1. Introduction to Quality

2. Total Quality Management

3. Total Quality Process

4. PDCA Problem Solving Technique & Tools

5. Seven Basic Quality Tools

6. Seven Advanced Quality Tools

7. Reducing the Cost of Quality

8. 8D Problem Solving Process

9. Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

10. Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA)

11. Mistake-Proofing

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