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Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Engineering, Technical & Maintenance

About This Course

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a powerful methodology used to identify the underlying causes of recurring issues in manufacturing, operations, and quality systems. Unlike quick fixes that address only the symptoms, RCA digs deeper to uncover the source of the problem—whether it's physical, human, or systemic. This 2-day program offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience using real-world case studies, group discussions, and practical toolkits. Participants will explore essential tools such as the 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram, Pareto Analysis, and FMEA, all while learning how to link RCA findings to effective corrective and preventive actions. Designed for aerospace manufacturers and technical teams, this course empowers participants to drive lasting improvements and foster a continuous improvement culture across the organization. This HRD Corp (HRDC) Claimable Course (Previously Known as SBL-Khas) Is Delivered by a Penang-Based Training Provider Registered with HRD Corp (Formerly Known as HRDF), Specializing in Corporate Skills Development and Workforce Upskilling Across Malaysia. 100% HRD Corp Claimable | Penang Training Provider | Corporate Training Malaysia

Course Outline

DAY 1

Module 1: Introduction to Root Cause Analysis

  • What is RCA and why it matters

  • Benefits of performing RCA

  • Types of causes: Physical, Human, Systemic

  • Common pitfalls in problem-solving

  • Activity: Quick group brainstorming on common workplace problems and their perceived vs. actual causes

Module 2: Problem Definition

  • Problem vs. Symptom

  • SMART problem statements

  • Stakeholder mapping for RCA

  • Activity: Draft SMART statements from vague problem descriptions

Lunch

Module 3: RCA Framework Overview

  • Reactive vs. Proactive RCA

  • RCA flow: Problem → Data → Root Cause → Solution

  • RCA’s role in Continuous Improvement (Kaizen, PDCA)

  • Activity: Interactive quiz and flowchart mapping

Module 4: RCA Tools & Techniques – Part 1

  • The 5 Whys Technique

  • Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)

  • Brainstorming & Affinity Diagrams

  • Activity:

    • - Case Study 1 – Customer Complaint on Product Delay → Teams use Fishbone Diagram and 5 Whys to identify root causes

DAY 2

Module 5: RCA Tools & Techniques – Part 2

  • Pareto Analysis

  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

  • Cause Mapping & Fault Tree Analysis

  • Activity:

    • Case Study 2 – Machine Downtime Incident → Teams conduct FMEA and Cause Mapping

Module 6: Data Collection & Analysis in RCA

  • Types of Data: Qualitative vs. Quantitative

  • Check Sheets, Histograms, Control Charts

  • Validating root causes with data

  • Activity: Data interpretation from sample defect logs

Lunch

Module 7: Corrective & Preventive Actions (CAPA)

  • Linking RCA outcomes to CAPA

  • Ensuring CAPA effectiveness

  • CAPA documentation best practices

  • Activity:

    • Case Study 3 – Quality Defects in Product Batches→ Teams develop and present CAPA plans

Module 8: Sustaining RCA in Organizations

  • Embedding RCA into daily operations

  • Leadership’s role in RCA success

  • RCA tracking systems and reporting

  • Building a problem-solving culture

  • Activity: Discussion on barriers and enablers to sustaining RCA

Module 9: Final Group Activity

  • Group RCA Challenge using a real-world case (client or trainer-provided)

  • Team Presentations & Peer Feedback

  • Activity: Full-cycle RCA project presentation with peer review

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Course TypeIn House & Public
Course LevelMaster Class
AvailabilityAvailable
Flexible scheduling available