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Quest Training

A3 Thinking & Structured Problem Solving Training Course

Uses A3 Thinking to define problems with evidence, understand the current state, find root causes and agree countermeasures that hold over time.

RCAP · Root Cause Analysis & Problem SolvingAll Levels#2548ClassroomEnglish , Arabic
Duration
5 Days
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Free substitution at any time · 30+ days' notice: full refund minus 10%. Cancellation policy

Sectors:Quality Management & Operational ExcellenceCategories:Root Cause Analysis & Problem Solving

Course Overview

This advanced practical course develops the ability to use A3 Thinking as a disciplined approach to analysing problems, understanding root causes, developing countermeasures, and achieving sustainable improvement. It combines Lean thinking with structured problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making. The programme focuses on the logic behind A3 Thinking rather than treating the A3 as simply a reporting format. Participants learn how to define problems clearly, establish the current condition, identify performance gaps, analyse causes, develop practical countermeasures, and verify results. Through practical cases and guided workshops, participants will develop complete A3 problem-solving reports and learn how to use A3 Thinking to improve communication, stakeholder alignment, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Learning Objectives

  • Analyse the principles and management logic of A3 Thinking.
  • Distinguish A3 Thinking from conventional problem-solving and reporting approaches.
  • Define problems using clear evidence, scope, and measurable performance gaps.
  • Establish accurate current-state conditions using process and performance data.
  • Analyse gaps between current and desired performance.
  • Apply structured root cause analysis to identify underlying causes.
  • Develop countermeasures that address verified causes rather than symptoms.
  • Prioritize improvement actions according to impact, feasibility, and risk.
  • Establish measurable targets and methods for verifying improvement results.
  • Engage stakeholders in structured problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Apply A3 Thinking to recurring, cross-functional, and operational problems.
  • Develop practical A3 problem-solving capability that supports continuous improvement.

Who Should Attend

Quality Managers, Quality Engineers, Lean and Continuous Improvement professionals, Operational Excellence specialists, Process Improvement professionals, and supervisors responsible for solving operational and quality problems. The course is also suitable for Operations Managers, Production and Manufacturing professionals, Maintenance and Engineering teams, Process Owners, Team Leaders, and professionals involved in Lean transformation and performance improvement. It is particularly relevant to organizations seeking to strengthen structured problem solving, improve decision-making, reduce recurring problems, and establish a consistent improvement methodology.

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain the principles and practical logic of A3 Thinking.
  • Select appropriate problems for A3-based analysis.
  • Develop clear problem statements supported by measurable evidence.
  • Document current conditions using relevant process and performance information.
  • Define performance gaps and establish meaningful targets.
  • Analyse root causes using structured analytical techniques.
  • Distinguish symptoms from underlying causes and contributing factors.
  • Develop practical countermeasures linked directly to verified causes.
  • Establish implementation responsibilities, timelines, and performance measures.
  • Verify the effectiveness of implemented countermeasures.
  • Communicate A3 findings and recommendations clearly to stakeholders and management.
  • Complete an integrated A3 problem-solving cycle and apply lessons learned to future improvement initiatives.

Course Outline

Day 1

A3 Thinking Principles & Problem Definition

  • A3 Thinking and its role in Lean management
  • The logic and structure of the A3 approach
  • A3 Thinking as a management and coaching process
  • Selecting appropriate problems for A3 analysis
  • Defining the problem and establishing its scope
  • Understanding customer, process, and business impact
  • Developing evidence-based problem statements
  • Setting boundaries and avoiding premature solutions
  • Stakeholder identification and problem ownership
  • Practical Application: Selecting a real problem and developing a clear A3 problem statement
Day 2

Current Condition, Performance Gaps & Target Setting

  • Understanding and documenting the current condition
  • Process observation and direct workplace analysis
  • Collecting relevant operational and quality data
  • Process mapping and performance analysis
  • Identifying abnormalities and performance gaps
  • Establishing the desired condition
  • Setting measurable improvement targets
  • Analysing trends, variation, and performance patterns
  • Validating the gap with objective evidence
  • Practical Application: Developing the current-condition analysis and measurable target for an A3 case
Day 3

Root Cause Analysis & Countermeasure Development

  • Structured analysis of problem causes
  • Cause-and-effect analysis
  • Five Whys and causal questioning
  • Testing and verifying potential root causes
  • Identifying systemic and process-related causes
  • Distinguishing root causes from symptoms
  • Developing countermeasures linked to verified causes
  • Evaluating countermeasure alternatives
  • Prioritizing actions based on impact and feasibility
  • Practical Application: Completing root cause analysis and developing a countermeasure plan
Day 4

Implementation, Results Verification & Follow-Up

  • Translating countermeasures into implementation actions
  • Assigning responsibilities and deadlines
  • Managing implementation risks and dependencies
  • Monitoring improvement activities
  • Measuring actual versus targeted results
  • Verifying countermeasure effectiveness
  • Identifying unintended consequences
  • Standardizing successful improvements
  • Preventing recurrence and maintaining gains
  • Practical Application: Implementing and evaluating an A3 improvement plan using performance evidence
Day 5

A3 Communication, Management & Continuous Improvement

  • Structuring an effective A3 report
  • Communicating problem-solving logic clearly
  • Presenting evidence, analysis, and recommendations
  • Management review and decision-making
  • Stakeholder alignment and accountability
  • A3 coaching and problem-solving capability development
  • Applying A3 Thinking to cross-functional problems
  • Integrating A3 with Kaizen and continuous improvement
  • Building organizational learning from completed A3s
  • Sustaining A3 Thinking as a management practice
  • Final Workshop: Completing and presenting an integrated A3 problem-solving case from problem definition through results verification

Upcoming Dates

Selected date

Rome · 5 – 9 Apr 2027 · Classroom

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BarcelonaScheduled
2 – 6 Nov 2026€5,400—
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BerlinScheduled
9 – 13 Nov 2026€5,800—
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CairoScheduled
16 – 20 Nov 2026€3,300—
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CasablancaScheduled
23 – 27 Nov 2026€4,300€3,870until 2 Nov
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DohaScheduled
30 Nov – 4 Dec 2026€4,400€3,960until 9 Nov
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DammamScheduled
30 Nov – 4 Dec 2026€4,200€3,780until 9 Nov
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DubaiScheduled
6 – 10 Dec 2026€4,400€3,960until 16 Nov
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FrankfurtScheduled
14 – 18 Dec 2026€5,800€5,220until 23 Nov
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GenevaScheduled
21 – 25 Dec 2026€6,300€5,670until 30 Nov
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IstanbulScheduled
28 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027€4,700€4,230until 7 Dec
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Kuala LumpurScheduled
4 – 8 Jan 2027€4,400€3,960until 14 Dec
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LisbonScheduled
11 – 15 Jan 2027€5,400€4,860until 21 Dec
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LondonScheduled
11 – 15 Jan 2027€5,600€5,040until 21 Dec
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MadinahScheduled
18 – 22 Jan 2027€4,200€3,780until 28 Dec
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MadridScheduled
25 – 29 Jan 2027€5,400€4,860until 4 Jan
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MakkahScheduled
1 – 5 Feb 2027€4,200€3,780until 11 Jan
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ManamaScheduled
8 – 12 Feb 2027€4,700€4,230until 18 Jan
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MarbellaScheduled
15 – 19 Feb 2027€5,400€4,860until 25 Jan
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MarrakeshScheduled
22 – 26 Feb 2027€4,300€3,870until 1 Feb
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MunichScheduled
1 – 5 Mar 2027€5,400€4,860until 8 Feb
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MilanScheduled
1 – 5 Mar 2027€6,000€5,400until 8 Feb
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MuscatScheduled
8 – 12 Mar 2027€5,300€4,770until 15 Feb
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OnlineScheduled
14 – 18 Mar 2027€1,700€1,530until 22 Feb
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ParisScheduled
22 – 26 Mar 2027€5,700€5,130until 1 Mar
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RiyadhScheduled
29 Mar – 2 Apr 2027€4,200€3,780until 8 Mar
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RomeScheduled
5 – 9 Apr 2027€5,800€5,220until 15 Mar
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SalalahScheduled
12 – 16 Apr 2027€5,300€4,770until 22 Mar
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ViennaScheduled
19 – 23 Apr 2027€5,700€5,130until 29 Mar
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AmmanScheduled
25 – 29 Apr 2027€3,100€2,790until 5 Apr
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AmsterdamScheduled
26 – 30 Apr 2027€5,400€4,860until 5 Apr
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Available in: Istanbul · Dubai · London · Riyadh · Doha · Amsterdam

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