🧩 Root Cause Analysis & the 5 Whys

Reacting to the symptom of a quality problem is easy; eliminating its cause is what actually stops it coming back. This course teaches root cause analysis (RCA) end to end for quality defects, nonconformities and process problems — the difference between a symptom and a cause, how to define and contain a problem with data, and the four workhorse tools: the 5 Whys, the cause-and-effect (Ishikawa or fishbone) diagram with its 6M categories, Pareto analysis and the 80/20 principle, and structured corrective action using 8D and A3 with verification of effectiveness. It is framed in a corrective-action and ISO 9001:2015 (clause 10.2) context and draws on ASQ quality resources and the NIST/SEMATECH e-Handbook of Statistical Methods. The course is organized into 6 modules, ending with a final exam (pass mark 80%). It is free awareness-level training designed for anyone who needs a practical, working understanding of the topic.

What you'll learn

• What root cause analysis is and why it matters
• The structured problem-solving process
• The 5 Whys technique
• Cause-and-effect (Ishikawa / fishbone) diagrams
• Pareto analysis and data-driven priorities
• Corrective action and verification of effectiveness

Learning objectives

• Tell the difference between treating a symptom and eliminating a root cause
• Define and contain a problem with data before analysing it
• Apply the 5 Whys to reach a controllable, correctable root cause
• Build and use an Ishikawa fishbone diagram across the 6M categories
• Prioritise causes with Pareto analysis and the 80/20 principle
• Implement corrective actions, verify effectiveness, and standardize the fix