Root cause analysis

Presented by James Paterson

Learn about key RCA techniques, going beyond the 5 whys technique, including 3 way 5 whys, the fishbone diagram (but with IA specific categories) and causal loop mapping. With these enhanced techniques learn to see the difference between immediate, contributing and root causes and to see the systemic nature of many issues that IA assignments uncover. Learn also that RCA will not slow down audit assignments and will often help with smarter assignment scoping and shorter more insightful reporting.

Who should attend?

Experienced auditors, audit managers and heads of internal audit.

What will I learn?

Upon completion you will be able to:

• understand key IIA requirements, key root cause analysis techniques beyond the five whys approach and why these are a crucial tool for delivering insight and foresight
• gain a clearer sense of how an audit methodology can be improved in order to deliver more robust and consistent root cause analysis – recognising there are always at least two root causes for any issue
• see how effective root cause analysis should not normally slow down an audit assignment but rather help it to be better focussed in the first place
• understand good practice RCA categories (not culture, tone at the top, or failings by individual employees) and how these can be linked to assessments of organisational culture.

Course programme

Key Chartered IIA guidance

• the Chartered IIA practice advisory note on RCA.

Four key RCA techniques and how they complement one another

• key RCA techniques, principally based on lean techniques.

Application of RCA to auditing

• review of various audit case studies.

Managing time to avoid delays

• examine the ways RCA can speed up audit assignments not delay them.

Benefits from RCA

• looking at the ways effective RCA can help deliver shorter, more impactful audit reports with insight and foresight.

Themes and RCA categories

• the importance of having appropriate RCA categories, so that audit findings can be properly themed - both what and why.

Practical action steps

• understand how RCA and thematic analysis play a key role in understanding culture and how this also links to political factors.

CPE competency areas covered

• Performance (Organisational governance | Risk management | Internal control | Engagements

• Environment (Organisational strategic planning and management)

7 CPE points

Full price

Member: £625 + VAT
Non-member: £840 + VAT

SAVE 20% by undertaking this course virtually