Root Cause Analysis: Application of Techniques

Transform RCA knowledge into practical mastery. Building on foundational RCA concepts, this intensive hands-on course guides audit teams through real-world application of sophisticated root cause techniques. The IIA GIAS mandates not just RCA methodology but effective implementation—this workshop ensures your team can confidently execute in practice what standards require in principle.

Through immersive exercises spanning risk, compliance, and governance scenarios, you'll master three of five advanced techniques: Three-Way Five Whys, Bowtie diagrams, modified Fishbone analysis, fault trees, or causal loop diagrams. Learn to leverage AI-powered analytical assistants that can rapidly construct cause maps from narrative descriptions, validate causal logic, and identify patterns across multiple root cause analyses. You'll gain confidence applying these powerful techniques and teaching them to colleagues, while understanding how AI augmentation accelerates analysis without compromising rigor.

Who Should Attend?

• Auditors and Senior Auditors seeking hands-on RCA application skills
• Audit Managers and Quality Leads responsible for coaching teams and reviewing RCA work quality

What Will You Learn?

RCA Fundamentals Recap:

• Distinguish clearly between immediate, contributing, and root causes
• Understand why multiple root causes always exist—single-cause thinking is flawed
• Navigate the question of blame through human variability principles and Just Culture frameworks
• Compare different types of RCA techniques and their optimal use cases

Advanced Technique Mastery:

• Deep-dive into three of five premier RCA techniques: (1) Three-Way Five Whys, (2) Bowtie diagrams, (3) Modified Fishbone analysis, (4) Fault Trees, or (5) Causal Loop Diagrams
• Practice hands-on application using realistic audit scenarios
• Use AI tools to accelerate diagram creation, validate logical consistency, and identify overlooked causal pathways
• Develop confidence to apply these techniques independently and explain them to peers

Course Programme

Hands-On Technique Application

• Work through diverse risk, compliance, and governance examples using key RCA techniques
• Practice with real audit scenarios reflecting common organizational challenges

Quality Control and Error Correction

• Recognize when analysis goes off track—common pitfalls and correction strategies
• Apply quality review criteria to ensure robust, defensible conclusions

RCA and Best Practice Connection

• Link root cause insights with GRC best practices
• Understand how excellence in governance, risk, and control design eliminates root causes before they materialize

Comparative Analysis

• Evaluate pros and cons of different RCA techniques for various scenarios
• Select the most appropriate technique based on context, complexity, and available information

AI-Enhanced Analysis

• Use AI to draft initial causal diagrams from problem descriptions
• Validate and refine AI-generated analyses with professional judgment
• Leverage AI pattern recognition across multiple analyses to identify systemic themes

CPE Competency Areas Covered

• Performance (Organizational governance | Risk management | Internal control | Engagements)
• Environment (Organizational strategic planning and management)