Course Objectives
Intended Audience
Employees working on problem-solving teams.
Time To Complete
2 hours (0.2 CEUs)
What are the 5 Whys?
5 Whys is a problem-solving technique used to get to the root cause of an issue by asking “why?” 5 times (or more). Typically the first two or three answers to “why?” point to symptoms of problems and not to the root cause. Don’t limit your questioning to just 5 Whys. Keep asking “why?” until you think you have come to the end of the questioning trail – and then ask it one more time. The objective of the 5 Whys technique is to create a logical flow of causes about the process that lead to the root cause of the problem.
5 Whys Online Training
5 Whys training introduces learners to this problem-solving technique including how to formulate “why?” questions and then how to collect and analyze data to properly answer the questions. Examples of the questioning process in a variety of settings are provided and pitfalls to using the process are discussed along with strategies to avoid them.
This Training Enables Learners To…
- Use 5 Whys in a team setting to help get to the root cause of a problem.
- Avoid the typical pitfalls associated with using the 5 Whys.
Recommended Prerequisites
- None
You May Also Be Interested In…
- Mistake-Proofing Training – Comprehensive online training in poka yoke/mistake-proofing techniques for manufacturing operations.
- 8D Problem-Solving – Step-by-step training in how to work on a problem-solving team follow the 8D methodology including tools and techniques that are used in each step.
- Root Cause Analysis with Corrective Action – Leads the learner through a four-step process to get to the root cause (source) of problems to eliminated problems for good.
The Five-Whys Course Outline
Lesson 1 | Asking “Why?”
- Asking “Why?” An Investigative Technique
- Formulating “Why?” questions.
- Apparent causes versus the root cause.
- Using Mistake-Proofing to eliminate the root cause of problems.
Lesson 2 | Five Examples
- Chemical mixing error.
- Overdone burgers.
- Later shipment.
- Finger cuts.
- Missed phone calls.
Lesson 3 | Five Pitfalls
- Identifying the five pitfalls.
- Avoiding/preventing the pitfalls from occurring.
Challenge
- An assessment of the learner’s progress in this course.
The 5 Whys Course Objectives
- Understand what the 5 Why technique is.
- Learn that the 5 Whys can help identify the root cause of a problem.
- Understand which type of “why” questions are effective and which are not.
- Recognize how mistake-proofing helps address a root causes by creating lasting solution.
- Be exposed to several 5 Why studies.
- Identify common threads for successful investigations using the 5 Whys.
- Understand how sustainable solutions can be constructed.
- Understand that there are common pitfalls that need to be avoided when using the 5 Why approach.
- Be familiar with ways to avoid common pitfalls.