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Root Cause Analysis: A Leader's Guide to Problem Solving
Role Play
Rating: 4.4 out of 5(1,189 ratings)
3,195 students

Root Cause Analysis: A Leader's Guide to Problem Solving

Structured problem solving for leaders: 8D method, corrective actions, and practical root cause tools
Last updated 6/2026
English

What you'll learn

  • What is a problem?
  • What are some popular problem solving methodologies?
  • What is the 8D method?
  • How to step through an 8D Corrective Action Report
  • Keys to understanding each of the disciples
  • Access to 8D templates that they can download and adapt to their own purposes

Course content

1 section25 lectures1h 51m total length
  • Introduction to the Course7:21
  • Understanding the Nature of Problems3:49
  • The Problem with Problems7:31
  • Problem Solving Essentials4:23
  • Case Study Introduction2:28
  • Major Problem-Solving Methodologies, Pt 16:22

    Explore major problem-solving methodologies, including Schuhart-Deming PDCA, Duran's breakthrough method, and Bejeria's statistical solving, and learn to use control charts, variation analysis, and targeted improvements.

  • Major Problem-Solving Methodologies, Pt 26:06
  • The Problem with Problem Solving, Pt 17:40

    Explore the 8D problem-solving process from a leader as champion, spotting eight hazards to avoid. Balance urgency with accuracy, select the right team, and ensure containment and sorting.

  • The Problem with Problem Solving, Pt 26:39
  • The 8D Process4:11
  • D1, Forming the Team6:08
  • D2, Describing the Problem4:27

    Lead the problem-definition process with full team participation and use of key tools. Use is-is-not analysis, five Ws and two Hs, Pareto analysis, and gemba interviews to describe the problem.

  • D3, Define Root Causes2:02
  • D4, Interim Corrective Action.1:04
  • D5, Permanent Corrective Action1:28

    Review and approve permanent irreversible corrective actions tied to the root cause, ensuring the problem never recurs while assessing cost, timing, and impact on product cost, availability, and performance.

  • D6, Verification1:14
  • D7, Parallel Actions1:53

    Review management and operating systems, practices, and procedures to identify failures, retrain teams on updated policies, and implement corrective actions across similar processes and machines to prevent ticking time bombs.

  • D8, Recognize the Team1:32
  • Project Champions1:17
  • Case Study Solution, Pt 16:07
  • Case Study Solution, Pt 27:52
  • 8D Templates7:32
  • Concluding Thoughts and References0:21
  • Reflect on What You Learned: Applying 8D at Work
  • Conclusion to the Course2:38
  • Bonus Lecture9:45

Requirements

  • Some manufacturing experience is helpful

Description

In manufacturing, quality, and operations, recurring problems don’t just waste time—they drain profits, frustrate teams, and damage customer trust. Too often, “solutions” stop at blaming operator error or adding more training. But those fixes only scratch the surface.

This course shows you how to move beyond surface-level fixes by mastering Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and the 8D Problem Solving method—the same structured approach adopted by global leaders in automotive, aerospace, and beyond.

Whether you’re a quality engineer, production manager, supervisor, or operations leader, this course will give you the tools to identify true causes, eliminate defects, and prevent problems from coming back.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The 8 Disciplines (8D) of Problem Solving: A proven step-by-step framework

  • Root Cause Analysis techniques to uncover what’s really driving defects

  • How to separate symptoms from causes so you stop treating the wrong problem

  • Short- and long-term corrective actions that actually work

  • Prevention strategies to make solutions stick and reduce future risk

  • Team-based problem solving that creates ownership and lasting results

Practical Tools You’ll Get:

  • Downloadable 8D templates you can adapt for your organization

  • Case study practice to apply methods to real-world problems

  • Clear explanations—no jargon, no fluff

  • Step-by-step guidance you can apply immediately in your workplace

Why This Course Works:

  • Designed specifically for engineering, quality, manufacturing, and operations professionals

  • Concise, practical lessons you can finish in an afternoon or evening

  • Proven methods used by thousands of companies worldwide

  • LIFETIME ACCESS so you can refresh your skills whenever you need them

  • Access to an instructor with 30+ years of hands-on industry experience

What Professionals Are Saying:

“Very interesting course. As a beginner I learned a lot of root cause analysis.” – Maxine W.
“Informative high-level class to refresh old knowledge and learn terminology to speak intelligently.” – Greg F.
“The course is short but very informative and relatable, I highly recommend.” – Kenneth M.

This course is ideal for:

  • Quality Engineers and Technicians

  • Manufacturing and Process Engineers

  • Production Supervisors and Managers

  • Operations and Continuous Improvement Professionals

If you’re responsible for solving problems—or leading teams that do—this course will sharpen your skills and give you a structured method that works.

Take the Next Step.

Stop chasing symptoms. Start solving root causes. With the 8D Problem Solving method, you’ll reduce defects, improve processes, and lead your teams to lasting results.

Enroll today and take the first step toward mastering problem solving in engineering, quality, and operations.

Who this course is for:

  • Quality Technicians, Quality Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Production Supervisors
  • Process Improvement Specialists, Team Leaders in Manufacturing, Root Cause Analysts, Quality Managers
  • Supplier Quality Engineers, Operations Supervisors, Lean Six Sigma Green Belts, Maintenance Technicians
  • Compliance Coordinators, New Manufacturing Professionals, Entry-Level Problem Solvers in Quality or Operations
  • Corrective Action Coordinators, Customer Quality Representatives, Product Quality Engineers, Supplier Development Engineers
  • Process Quality Technicians, NPI Quality Engineers, Field Quality Engineers, Manufacturing Quality Analysts
  • Quality Assurance Specialists, Continuous Improvement Facilitators, Failure Analysis Engineers, Operations Quality Coordinators