Introduction to Root Cause Failure Analysis

This asynchronous course introduces engineers to the principles of systems thinking and the structured process of Root Cause Failure Analysis. Participants will explore causal factors, levels of causation, and a suite of RCA tools—including Fishbone, 5 Whys, A3, and Fault Tree Analysis—to diagnose and resolve failures effectively. By applying these tools within an asset management framework, learners will build a proactive culture focused on reliability and long-term performance.

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Who Should Attend?

Reliability and maintenance engineers focused on asset performance.
Quality and process improvement professionals seeking structured problem-solving methods.
Technical team leads and managers responsible for operational excellence.

What You Will Learn

Understand systems thinking and identify causal factors contributing to failures.
Select and apply appropriate RCA tools based on the nature of the problem.
Develop strategies to support a culture of continuous improvement and failure prevention.

Course Details: RA01832-E346

This online anytime course uses the Canvas learning management system to provide access to instructional materials, participation certificates, and course evaluations. A UW NetID is required to log in to Canvas.

Your registration confirmation email will include step-by-step instructions for setting up your NetID and accessing the Canvas course site. Please check your spam folder if you do not see your confirmation or UW communication emails from the "@wisc.edu" address.

Access to the Canvas course platform ends after 8 weeks. Contact InterPro Customer Service with questions.

Instructor
George Williams
CEO
George is the founder and CEO of ReliabilityX and a recognized leader in the field of maintenance and reliability. He holds a master’s degree in reliability engineering from Monash University and began his career in maintenance while still in high school, working alongside his father. George spent 16 years with a major pharmaceutical company, advancing from technician to global asset management leader. His team earned the prestigious Uptime Award for Best Maintenance and Reliability Program in 2015. A Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) and Certified Reliability Leader, George was named CMRP of the Year by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals in 2016. He also holds certifications in vibration analysis, infrared thermography, ultrasound, motion amplification, and plant maintenance management. A published author and experienced educator, George has been teaching maintenance and reliability courses for UW–Madison Interdisciplinary Professional Programs since 2010.
Program Director
Jon Wellik

Total Credits:

CEU .3,

PDH 3,

Course Administration

If you are planning to attend an Interdisciplinary Professional Programs course, payment is required at the time of registration. Below are the payment options:

Pay by Credit Card

Enroll online and pay by credit card.

Search for the course on the website and then click on the Enroll Now button from the course webpage.
Enter all necessary course attendee information and payment information on the course enrollment page.
You will receive an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Check

Mail in a completed registration form and check payable to UW Madison.

Fill out a registration form (found either in the back of the course brochure you received in the mail or here).
Prepare a check, made payable to UW Madison.
Mail the registration form and check to: CERC Registrations 21 N Park St, Ste 7101 Madison, WI 53715
You will receive either a mailed document or an email to confirm successful enrollment and payment.

Pay by Purchase Order

Request Purchase Order information from registration@cerc.wisc.edu
- If a fee quote is needed, contact custserv@interpro.wisc.edu first
You will receive an invoice from UW–Madison Business Services for payment, usually within 3–5 business days

Military

If using SF-182 form, please call our registration number at 608-262-2451 or email registration@cerc.wisc.edu for details and instructions.

Event Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen events. If we cancel a course, participants will be notified via email or phone and will be given the option for a full refund or to transfer their registration and any fees paid to another course. We are not responsible for non-refundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, and other travel related expenses. For enrollee Course Cancellation, refer to notes on course page.

Introduction to Root Cause Failure Analysis

Who Should Attend?

What You Will Learn

Course Details: RA01832-E346

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Course Administration

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