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Quest Training

Problem Analysis & Decision Analysis Techniques Training Course

Builds a structured way to separate symptoms from causes, weigh evidence, compare alternatives and choose actions that account for risk and business goals.

RCAP · Root Cause Analysis & Problem SolvingAll Levels#2912ClassroomEnglish , 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

Effective problem analysis and decision analysis are essential for making sound business decisions, resolving complex operational challenges, and improving organizational performance. A structured approach enables professionals to distinguish symptoms from underlying causes, evaluate available evidence, assess alternative solutions, and select actions that align with business objectives while accounting for risks and constraints. This course introduces systematic problem-solving and decision-making techniques used across management, operations, quality, and project environments. Participants will explore problem definition, root cause analysis, cause-and-effect diagrams, the 5 Whys technique, Pareto analysis, decision matrices, weighted scoring, risk assessment, and structured evaluation of alternatives. The course also examines how to manage uncertainty, recognize assumptions and cognitive biases, and use qualitative and quantitative information to support defensible decisions. Through practical exercises and workplace scenarios, participants will develop the ability to investigate problems, compare potential solutions, evaluate consequences, prioritize actions, and communicate recommendations clearly. The course emphasizes analytical thinking, stakeholder involvement, evidence-based judgment, and implementation follow-up to ensure that decisions address the right problems and deliver measurable results.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain the principles of structured problem analysis and effective decision-making.
  • Define problems clearly and distinguish symptoms from underlying causes.
  • Apply root cause analysis techniques to investigate recurring issues and performance gaps.
  • Use analytical tools such as the 5 Whys, cause-and-effect diagrams, and Pareto analysis.
  • Collect and evaluate relevant evidence to support problem diagnosis.
  • Generate and assess alternative solutions against defined criteria.
  • Apply decision matrices and weighted scoring methods to prioritize options.
  • Evaluate risks, consequences, assumptions, and uncertainties associated with decisions.
  • Recognize cognitive biases and improve the objectivity of analytical judgments.
  • Develop actionable recommendations and follow-up measures to evaluate decision effectiveness.

Who Should Attend

Managers and department heads. Team leaders and operational supervisors. Business analysts and process improvement specialists. Project and programme managers. Quality management and operational excellence professionals. Risk management and compliance specialists. Human resources and administrative managers. Finance, procurement, and operations professionals. Strategic planning and performance management teams. Professionals involved in complex problem-solving, evaluating alternatives, or making operational and managerial decisions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Formulate clear problem statements with defined scope, impact, and objectives.
  • Distinguish immediate symptoms, contributing factors, and root causes.
  • Apply structured techniques to analyse problems using qualitative and quantitative evidence.
  • Identify patterns, priorities, and performance gaps using analytical tools.
  • Develop realistic alternatives based on operational requirements and organizational constraints.
  • Establish decision criteria and evaluate options using systematic comparison methods.
  • Assess risks, trade-offs, dependencies, and potential consequences before selecting a solution.
  • Identify assumptions and cognitive biases that may affect decision quality.
  • Present evidence-based recommendations with clear justification and implementation priorities.
  • Monitor outcomes and use feedback to refine decisions and prevent recurring problems.

Course Outline

Day 1

Problem Definition and Structured Analytical Thinking

  • Principles of effective problem analysis and structured decision-making.
  • Differentiating symptoms, problems, contributing factors, and root causes.
  • Defining problem scope, impact, urgency, and desired outcomes.
  • Gathering relevant information through observations, interviews, records, and performance data.
  • Developing problem statements based on facts rather than assumptions.
  • Using analytical thinking to break complex problems into manageable components.
  • Practical Exercise: Analyse a workplace scenario and prepare a structured problem statement supported by available evidence.
Day 2

Root Cause Analysis and Problem Investigation

  • Applying the 5 Whys technique to investigate underlying causes.
  • Constructing cause-and-effect diagrams to organize potential contributing factors.
  • Using Pareto analysis to identify significant sources of problems.
  • Applying process mapping to locate breakdowns, bottlenecks, and control weaknesses.
  • Testing hypotheses against available evidence and validating suspected causes.
  • Distinguishing root causes from coincidental relationships and unsupported explanations.
  • Practical Exercise: Investigate a recurring operational problem using the 5 Whys and cause-and-effect analysis, then validate the most likely root causes.
Day 3

Generating Alternatives and Evaluating Options

  • Defining solution requirements and constraints before generating alternatives.
  • Using structured brainstorming and collaborative problem-solving techniques.
  • Establishing evaluation criteria aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Applying decision matrices and weighted scoring models.
  • Comparing alternatives based on cost, feasibility, effectiveness, time, and resource requirements.
  • Evaluating short-term solutions against long-term operational implications.
  • Practical Exercise: Develop a set of potential solutions and use a weighted decision matrix to identify the most suitable option.
Day 4

Risk Assessment, Uncertainty, and Decision Quality

  • Identifying risks and potential consequences associated with alternative decisions.
  • Assessing probability, impact, and risk exposure.
  • Evaluating assumptions, dependencies, constraints, and uncertainty.
  • Recognizing cognitive biases, including confirmation bias and anchoring.
  • Using scenario analysis and sensitivity analysis to examine alternative outcomes.
  • Balancing quantitative evidence, professional judgment, and stakeholder perspectives.
  • Practical Exercise: Evaluate competing solutions under different risk scenarios and document the assumptions, trade-offs, and rationale supporting the preferred decision.
Day 5

Decision Implementation, Communication, and Follow-Up

  • Translating decisions into implementation plans with clear responsibilities and milestones.
  • Prioritizing actions according to urgency, expected impact, and available resources.
  • Communicating recommendations and decision rationale to relevant stakeholders.
  • Establishing performance indicators to measure solution effectiveness.
  • Monitoring implementation progress and identifying unintended consequences.
  • Applying lessons learned and corrective actions to improve future problem-solving.
  • Practical Exercise: Prepare a complete problem analysis and decision report covering root causes, evaluated alternatives, the selected solution, implementation responsibilities, performance measures, and follow-up arrangements.

Upcoming Dates

Selected date

Abuja · 11 – 15 Oct 2027 · Classroom

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29 Nov – 3 Dec 2026€3,300€2,970until 9 Nov
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CasablancaScheduled
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DammamScheduled
20 – 24 Dec 2026€4,200€3,780until 30 Nov
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DohaScheduled
27 – 31 Dec 2026€4,400€3,960until 7 Dec
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DubaiScheduled
3 – 7 Jan 2027€4,400€3,960until 14 Dec
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10 – 14 Jan 2027€3,100€2,790until 21 Dec
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IstanbulScheduled
11 – 15 Jan 2027€4,700€4,230until 21 Dec
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JeddahScheduled
17 – 21 Jan 2027€4,200€3,780until 28 Dec
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KigaliScheduled
25 – 29 Jan 2027€5,100€4,590until 4 Jan
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22 – 26 Feb 2027€4,200€3,780until 1 Feb
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28 Mar – 1 Apr 2027€1,700€1,530until 8 Mar
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AmmanScheduled
25 – 29 Apr 2027€3,100€2,790until 5 Apr
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AbujaScheduled
11 – 15 Oct 2027€5,100€4,590until 20 Sept
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