Short Courses

Root Cause Analysis Fundamentals

Gain an understanding of Root Cause Analysis, the different forms that can be applied to address the failure, and how to identify the appropriate RCA process to rectify or eliminate the failed process, equipment or system.
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Overview
Gain an understanding of Root Cause Analysis, the different forms that can be applied to address the failure, and how to identify the appropriate RCA process to rectify or eliminate the failed process, equipment or system.

Systems and equipment are becoming more complex, no matter your engineering discipline or sector. When an asset fails, there are three key reasons: physical, human or systemic causes. Root cause analysis (RCA) asks ‘why?’ - in a number of different ways, to identify the root cause of the failure. This helps engineers to prevent future failures, keep people safe and implement efficient quality control. From manufacturing to energy, construction and even robotics, RCA is applicable across disciplines.

In this course, you’ll learn the techniques of Root Cause Analysis, from the basic ‘Five Whys’ approach to the more complex logic tree analysis. You’ll leave with an understanding of:

  • how real-world RCA situations have played out
  • when each approach is ideal
  • the data you’ll need to gather and analyse
  • how to present and apply your results.

Root Cause Analysis is an important tool in any engineer’s toolkit, to add value to a team and harness your logical thinking to save time, money or even lives.
 

Details
Price
$750*
EA members
$882.35*
Non-members

EA members get 15% off on selected workshops and training. Not a member? Sign up now

*1% credit card surcharge applies.

Any questions?

Duration
2 x 4-hour sessions
Location & dates
Online

12 February - 13 February

Online

2 April - 3 April

Online

10 June - 11 June

Online

12 August - 13 August

Online

8 October - 9 October

Online

3 December - 4 December

Additional Information

This course will run on the following dates:

12 & 13 February 2025, 1pm – 5pm AEDT

2 & 3 April 2025, 9am – 1pm AEDT

10 & 11 June 2025, 1pm – 5pm AEST

12 & 13 August 2025, 9am – 1pm AEST

8 & 9 October 2025, 1pm – 5pm AEDT

3 & 4 December 2025, 1pm – 5pm AEDT

RSVP

Registrations close three business days before the start of each session.

We can customise this course for groups of six or more.

You choose the time, place, duration and format.

Find out how we can help you and your team by clicking on the button below to request a quote or calling us directly on +61 3 9321 1700.

Duration
Customisable
Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

  • Apply Root Cause Analysis to real-life failure situations
  • Select and analyse suitable data
  • Learn key Root Cause Analysis methods, including:
  • 5 Whys
  • Cause Mapping
  • Fishbone analysis
  • Logic Tree analysis
  • Understand the benefits of each RCA method
  • Work as part of a team to execute RCA
Is this course for you?

Is this course for you?

This course is relevant to anyone involved in asset management, production and operations.

Roles include:

  • Reliability engineers
  • Process engineers
  • Maintenance engineers
  • Facility engineers
  • Transport and infrastructure engineers
  • Maintenance supervisors
  • Asset managers
  • Production line supervisors and managers
  • HSEQ personnel and managers
Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Reviews

The detailed walkthrough of the differences and unique aspects of the five analysis formats was very useful. Using an example to demonstrate them helped solidify how they were applied to real world situations.

Participant

I found the different methods demonstrated to be very informative and useful. This course really developed my understanding of the concepts from the basic ‘five-whys’ approach.

Participant
Topics we'll cover

Topics we'll cover

Root Cause Analysis 

  • What is Root Cause Analysis?
  • What problems does RCA solve?
  • Sporadic events vs. chronic events
  • Applications of RCA

Data, data & more data

  • Appropriate data for RCA
  • The importance of data verification

RCA is a team effort

RCA techniques and when they should be used

  • 5 Whys - Basic methodology
  • Cause Analysis
  • Fish Bone Analysis
  • Logic Tree Analysis

What to do after you've done RCA

  • Presenting and applying your results
Facilitator
Alastair Krebs
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