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Basics of Root Causes Analysis (RCA)

Basics of Root Causes Analysis (RCA)

A Lean Office Tool

Learn the benefits of incorporating root cause analysis in problem solving 

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Course Description 

This introductory course shows students the benefits of incorporating root cause analysis (RCA) as a standard element of problem solving, foundational concepts distinguishing root causes from symptoms of negative effects, and a practical application experience to foster their ability to conduct RCA with a team of subject matter experts. In addition, this course describes the three types of causes (physical, human, latency), various approaches to conducting RCA (apollo, cause mapping, fishbone diagrams, five whys tool), and the criteria for choosing one approach over another. Specific emphasis is given to the five whys tool. Interactive class exercise gives participants the opportunity to practice RCA. 

Limited to eight students. 

General Information 

All classroom dates meet 2.5 hours unless otherwise noted. Registration for all classes closes one week prior to their start date. Online registration is available for most courses. Otherwise, you may contact Registration and Records at (405) 325-6034 to sign up. 

Quick Facts 

Course length: 2.5 hours

Prerequisites: None 

Instructor: Brian deFonteny 

Next offered:   TBA

Cost: $275.00. 5-person minimum for class to make. 

LocationTinker Business and Industrial Park or onsite at the client's location.

Coached workshops are encouraged following most tools training to reinforce learning. 

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Course Credits

Participants receive Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits, which are required to maintain many professional licensures. OULI training also qualifies as PDU credits for Project Management Professionals. 

Training Locations

Public classes are held at the Tinker Business Industrial Park at I-40 and Sooner Road. All public classes are open enrollment and typically feature an interesting mix of teams from a variety of industries. 
 
The Lean Institute also offers private or contracted training programs onsite at locations across the state, including workshops implemented at suitable client facilities. 

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OU Lean Institute Instructors 

OULI's team of instructors & consultants are practicing experts in the field with extensive history in implementing process improvement efforts & coaching students.

Brian deFonteny 

deFonteny is the creator of Leading with Lean and other short courses offered by the OU Lean Institute. A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt once active in the oil and gas industry, deFonteny has more than a decade of experience as a Lean practitioner, coach and instructor. He holds a master’s degree in human relations and a bachelor’s in psychology. deFonteny is committed to optimizing organizational success by helping others Lead with Lean. He is the author of Leadership Reimagined and an adjunct professor with the University of Oklahoma. 

Joyce
Hinton 

Hinton is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and has served as an OULI Lean Six Sigma coach, instructor and consultant for many of the Institute’s major clients. She is the primary instructor for the Institute’s LSS White and Green Belt training workshops. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and has completed extensive training in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, as well as having extensive experience in both management and procurement.. 

Teresa
Tobias 

Tobias is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt trained by some of the original consultants in the industry (Sigma Sciences, Inc., p.k.a. Six Sigma Associates). She has worked with Six Sigma Academy, the first consulting organization created by the founder of Six Sigma, Dr. Mikel Harry. Tobias has extensive experience at the strategic level working with leadership. At the tactical level, she has coached and mentored clients' internal resources for hundreds of transformational projects. 

Larry
Fisher 

Fisher is the Center Process Manager for Continuous Improvement and Innovation (CI2), Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker AFB. He coordinates continuous improvement mentoring and training for 35,000+ Airmen. As a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt, he is an instructor and facilitates multi-organizational improvement events, mentors, and coaches those utilizing CI2 techniques and seeking LSS Green Belt/Black Belt certifications. Since 1985, Fisher has held positions in engineering, quality, contracting and process improvement organizations.