Course Description
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) are structured problem-solving methodologies for identifying the true underlying causes of failures and problems — not just their symptoms — so that effective, lasting corrective actions can be implemented.
This course develops practical RCA/RCFA capability using recognised techniques including the 5 Whys, cause-and-effect (Ishikawa) analysis, fault tree analysis, and logic-tree methodology. Participants learn to lead investigations, distinguish physical, human, and latent (systemic) root causes, and translate findings into corrective actions that prevent recurrence.
What you will achieve
By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles and value of root cause analysis
- Distinguish symptoms, causes, and true root causes
- Apply RCA techniques: 5 Whys, Ishikawa, fault tree, logic tree
- Identify physical, human, and latent root causes
- Lead and facilitate RCA/RCFA investigations
- Gather and preserve failure evidence
- Develop effective corrective and preventive actions
- Verify effectiveness and prevent recurrence
How the course is delivered
The course combines RCA methodology with hands-on investigation exercises using multiple techniques. Participants work through real failure scenarios, building and analysing logic trees and cause-and-effect diagrams.
The programme emphasises facilitation skills and translating root causes into effective corrective actions.
Designed for
This training course is ideal for:
- Reliability and maintenance engineers
- Failure and incident investigators
- Continuous improvement and quality professionals
- Operations and HSE personnel
- Anyone leading problem-solving investigations
Daily programme
- Principles of root cause analysis
- Symptoms versus causes versus root causes
- Physical, human, and latent causes
- The RCA/RCFA process
- The 5 Whys technique
- Cause-and-effect (Ishikawa) analysis
- Fault tree analysis
- Logic-tree methodology
- Leading and facilitating investigations
- Evidence collection and preservation
- Data analysis and hypothesis testing
- Identifying root causes
- Developing effective corrective actions
- Verifying effectiveness
- Preventing recurrence
- Case study workshop and review
Certification & accreditation
BII Certificate of Completion
BII Certificate of Completion Upon successful completion, participants receive a BII Development Institute Certificate of Completion with a unique reference code that is independently verifiable. Our certificates are recognised internationally and reflect successful completion of your chosen programme.
