Root Cause Analysis
Root Cause Analysis is the discipline of getting past the symptoms of a problem to the underlying causal chain that produced them — and the difference between organisations that learn from failures and ones that keep repeating them.
Course overview.
We cover the four most widely-used RCA methodologies — 5 Whys, Ishikawa (fishbone) analysis, Apollo RCA, and fault tree analysis — with the engineering judgement to know which method fits which problem. Hands-on throughout with real industry case studies including aviation, healthcare, manufacturing and software incidents.
Who it's for.
Quality engineers, manufacturing engineers, incident response leads, safety officers, IT operations professionals, and continuous improvement practitioners. Particularly useful for organisations whose corrective-action reports tend to identify the same proximate causes over and over because the deeper analysis isn't being done.
What you'll learn.
5 Whys and the foundations of causal analysis
The Toyota 5 Whys technique — its strengths, its failure modes, and the disciplined facilitation that prevents it from devolving into 'human error' as a stopping point. Plus the causal-thinking foundations that underpin every more advanced RCA method.
Ishikawa diagrams and structured analysis
Fishbone diagrams done properly — the six-M categories, the disciplined facilitation, the difference between a useful Ishikawa and a brainstorm with branches. We work through real cases and produce defensible analyses, not the wallpaper-pattern diagrams that often pass for RCA.
Apollo RCA, fault tree analysis and method selection
The more rigorous methods used in aviation, nuclear, healthcare and high-consequence engineering: Apollo RCA's cause-and-effect chains, formal fault tree analysis, and the criteria for choosing the right depth of analysis given the incident severity, audit requirements and organisational capability.
Find the cause.
A practical course designed to help you move beyond treating symptoms and understand why problems happen in the first place. Learn how to investigate issues systematically, identify underlying causes and develop solutions that prevent problems from recurring. The course is suitable for anyone involved in problem solving, quality, operations, improvement or decision-making.
Problem Definition
Learn how to clearly define a problem before attempting to solve it. Explore how to gather the right information, understand the impact of an issue and distinguish between symptoms, contributing factors and the underlying problem.
Finding Causes
Explore practical techniques for investigating why problems occur. Learn how to ask effective questions, examine evidence and use structured approaches such as the Five Whys and cause-and-effect analysis to uncover the factors behind an issue.
Analysing Evidence
Develop a more objective approach to problem solving by learning how to test assumptions and distinguish facts from opinions. Explore how data, observations and process information can be used to validate potential causes before deciding on a solution.
Effective Solutions
Learn how to turn your findings into practical corrective actions that address the real cause of a problem. Explore how to assess solutions, prevent recurrence, measure results and build root-cause analysis into a wider culture of continuous improvement.
Book your place.
Fill in the form and we'll confirm your booking the same working day. Invoice on request — we accept PO numbers from public bodies and corporate accounts.
Reserve your seat.
Book the Root Cause Analysis course. We'll confirm your seat by email the same working day. PO numbers and invoicing accepted.
Got it — your booking enquiry is in.
We'll confirm your seat by email within the same working day. You should also see a copy of your enquiry in your inbox. Need anything urgent? Email hello@ascenttrainingwales.co.uk or use the live chat.
This course is fully fundable through ReACT+.
If you've been made redundant or are facing redundancy in Wales, the Welsh Government's ReACT+ scheme can fund up to £1,500 toward this course — plus childcare, travel and accommodation expenses. We'll handle the application.
Benefits of Attending This Course
Develop practical root cause analysis skills to investigate problems, identify underlying issues and implement effective corrective actions. Learn proven problem-solving techniques that reduce recurrence, improve processes and support continuous improvement across your organisation.
Ascent Training Wales · Bridgend.
Our conference room is purpose-built for effective training — bright, modern, and fully equipped for workshops, seminars and accredited sessions.
Llynfi Enterprise CentreHeol Ty Gwyn Industrial Estate
Maesteg, Bridgend, CF34 0BQ
Master Root Cause Analysis Techniques
Identify the True Causes of Problems
Learn structured approaches to investigate issues, uncover underlying causes and move beyond symptoms to create lasting solutions.
Apply Proven Analysis Methods
Develop practical skills using recognised root cause analysis tools and techniques to support effective problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Prevent Recurring Issues
Gain the confidence to implement corrective actions, improve processes and strengthen organisational performance through evidence-based solutions.
Common questions.
Quick answers to what most people ask before booking. Still need help? Get in touch.
How long is the course and where is it delivered?
How much does it cost and what's included?
When is the next date available?
Is this course eligible for ReACT+ funding?
Can you deliver this course in-house for our team?
From the classroom.
Our Bridgend venue is purpose-built for working learning — bright, modern, configurable for cohorts of four to twelve, with quality AV throughout and free parking right outside.
Llynfi Enterprise Centre · Bridgend · More about our venue →
Solve problems at the source.
Effective root cause analysis helps organisations understand why problems happen, prevent recurring issues and improve performance. This practical root cause analysis course in Cardiff develops the skills needed to investigate problems systematically, identify underlying causes and implement effective corrective actions across teams and organisations.
Understand root cause analysis
Learn the principles of root cause analysis and how to distinguish underlying causes from symptoms when investigating workplace problems.
Investigate problems effectively
Develop practical techniques for gathering evidence, asking the right questions and analysing information to understand why problems occur.
Use root cause analysis tools
Apply practical problem-solving tools such as the 5 Whys, cause-and-effect analysis and other structured techniques to identify contributing factors.
Develop effective corrective actions
Turn analysis into practical solutions by identifying appropriate corrective actions that address underlying causes and reduce the risk of problems recurring.
Improve workplace performance
Use root cause analysis to support continuous improvement, reduce recurring problems and strengthen decision-making across businesses and organisations in Cardiff and Wales.
More in Quality Management.
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Ready when you are.
Book Root Cause Analysis for £275 a seat, or send us a brief and we'll come back with a tailored in-house quote for your team within two working days.