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Quest Training

Fishbone Diagram & 5 Whys Techniques Training Course

Teaches the Fishbone Diagram and 5 Whys to investigate problems systematically, separate root causes from symptoms and build effective corrective actions.

RCAP · Root Cause Analysis & Problem SolvingAll Levels#2910ClassroomEnglish , 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

The Fishbone Diagram and 5 Whys are practical root cause analysis techniques that help organizations investigate problems systematically, distinguish underlying causes from visible symptoms, and develop effective corrective actions. Rather than relying on assumptions or addressing recurring issues superficially, these methods encourage structured investigation, evidence-based reasoning, and cross-functional collaboration. This course explores how to apply the Fishbone Diagram, also known as the Ishikawa or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, alongside the 5 Whys technique to analyse operational failures, quality defects, service delays, customer complaints, and process inefficiencies. Participants will learn to categorize potential causes, ask focused questions, validate findings with evidence, and identify relationships between people, processes, equipment, materials, methods, measurement, and the working environment. Through practical exercises and workplace scenarios, participants will develop the skills to facilitate root cause analysis sessions, prioritize contributing factors, distinguish root causes from contributing conditions, and translate findings into measurable corrective and preventive actions. The course supports continuous improvement, problem-solving discipline, risk reduction, and the prevention of recurring operational issues across different organizational functions.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the principles and purpose of structured root cause analysis.
  • Distinguish root causes, contributing factors, and symptoms of operational problems.
  • Construct Fishbone Diagrams to organize and investigate potential causes.
  • Apply the 5 Whys technique to explore underlying causes systematically.
  • Select appropriate cause categories based on the nature of the problem.
  • Use operational data, observations, and documented evidence to validate potential causes.
  • Facilitate collaborative problem-solving sessions involving relevant stakeholders.
  • Prioritize causes according to evidence, impact, and likelihood of occurrence.
  • Develop corrective and preventive actions linked to verified root causes.
  • Establish follow-up measures to evaluate effectiveness and prevent recurrence.

Who Should Attend

Quality managers and quality assurance professionals. Operations and production managers. Process improvement and operational excellence specialists. Supervisors and team leaders. Maintenance and reliability professionals. Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) personnel. Customer service and complaints management teams. Risk management and compliance professionals. Project managers and business process analysts. Professionals responsible for investigating incidents, defects, service failures, and recurring operational problems.

Learning Outcomes

  • Define operational problems clearly and establish appropriate analysis boundaries.
  • Differentiate symptoms from root causes and contributing factors.
  • Develop structured Fishbone Diagrams using relevant cause categories.
  • Apply the 5 Whys technique without stopping at superficial explanations.
  • Validate proposed causes using facts, records, observations, and process data.
  • Identify relationships between multiple causes contributing to a problem.
  • Facilitate effective root cause analysis discussions across departments.
  • Prioritize verified causes for corrective action.
  • Prepare action plans with responsibilities, deadlines, and measurable success criteria.
  • Monitor corrective action effectiveness and establish mechanisms to prevent recurrence.

Course Outline

Day 1

Fundamentals of Root Cause Analysis and Problem Definition

  • Principles of root cause analysis and its role in continuous improvement.
  • Differences between symptoms, immediate causes, contributing factors, and root causes.
  • Defining problems using specific, measurable, and evidence-based statements.
  • Understanding the consequences of assumptions and premature conclusions.
  • Collecting initial information through observations, interviews, records, and performance data.
  • Selecting appropriate analysis techniques according to problem complexity and risk.
  • Practical Exercise: Analyse a workplace problem and develop a clear problem statement that distinguishes observed symptoms from the underlying issue.
Day 2

Fishbone Diagram and Cause-and-Effect Analysis

  • Structure, purpose, and application of the Fishbone Diagram.
  • Understanding the Ishikawa and Cause-and-Effect Diagram terminology.
  • Applying the 6M categories: Manpower, Methods, Machines, Materials, Measurement, and Mother Nature (Environment).
  • Adapting cause categories to service, administrative, financial, and operational problems.
  • Conducting structured brainstorming to identify potential causes.
  • Organizing cause-and-effect relationships and identifying areas requiring further investigation.
  • Practical Exercise: Develop a Fishbone Diagram for a quality defect, service delay, or recurring operational failure and identify the causes requiring verification.
Day 3

Applying the 5 Whys Technique

  • Principles and logic behind the 5 Whys questioning method.
  • Moving from immediate causes to deeper process and system weaknesses.
  • Formulating focused, neutral questions that avoid blame and unsupported assumptions.
  • Understanding when more or fewer than five questioning levels may be appropriate.
  • Using evidence to validate each step in the cause-and-effect chain.
  • Recognizing limitations of the 5 Whys when problems involve multiple interacting causes.
  • Practical Exercise: Apply the 5 Whys technique to a recurring workplace problem and document the evidence supporting each identified cause.
Day 4

Combining Techniques and Developing Corrective Actions

  • Combining Fishbone Diagrams and the 5 Whys for deeper investigations.
  • Selecting priority causes for detailed analysis and validation.
  • Using process records, observations, checklists, and performance indicators to test hypotheses.
  • Distinguishing root causes that can be controlled from external contributing factors.
  • Developing corrective and preventive actions that address verified causes.
  • Assessing proposed actions for feasibility, effectiveness, risk, and unintended consequences.
  • Practical Exercise: Use a Fishbone Diagram to identify potential causes, apply the 5 Whys to selected branches, and develop a prioritized corrective action plan.
Day 5

Action Implementation, Effectiveness Verification, and Prevention

  • Translating root cause analysis findings into implementation plans.
  • Assigning action owners, deadlines, resources, and accountability.
  • Establishing measurable indicators to evaluate corrective action effectiveness.
  • Monitoring results and comparing performance before and after implementation.
  • Updating procedures, training, controls, and documentation where necessary.
  • Integrating root cause analysis into quality management and continuous improvement systems.
  • Practical Exercise: Prepare a complete root cause analysis report with verified causes, corrective actions, performance measures, responsible owners, and follow-up dates.

Upcoming Dates

Selected date

Riyadh · 11 – 15 Oct 2027 · Classroom

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