Quality & Operational Excellence

Fishbone, 5 Whys and Pareto in Practice

Simple problem-solving tools, used well, solve most everyday quality and operational problems. This practical course teaches fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys and Pareto analysis in depth, plus check sheets and run charts, through hands-on practice with real workplace problems.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Basic tools are often used superficially. You will learn to apply them properly and reach real root causes.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Hands-on tool practice, team problem-solving sessions, case studies and peer review.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Collect data with check sheets
Prioritise problems with Pareto analysis
Explore causes with fishbone diagrams
Drill to root causes with 5 Whys
Track results with run charts
Combine tools in a simple problem-solving process

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Team leaders and supervisors
Quality and process staff
Front-line employees
Engineers
Service managers

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Data collection
Prioritisation
Cause analysis
Root cause identification
Result tracking

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Problem Solving Basics

09:00–10:08Problem statements
10:08–11:00Facts versus opinions
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Facts versus opinions (continued)
11:45–12:53Simple process
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Data and Pareto

09:00–10:08Check sheets
10:08–11:00Pareto analysis
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Pareto analysis (continued)
11:45–12:53Prioritisation
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 3Fishbone

09:00–10:08Cause categories
10:08–11:00Building diagrams
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Building diagrams (continued)
11:45–12:53Team brainstorming
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 45 Whys

09:00–10:08Asking why effectively
10:08–11:00Avoiding blame
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Avoiding blame (continued)
11:45–12:53Verifying causes
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 5Results

09:00–10:08Run charts
10:08–11:00Countermeasures
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Countermeasures (continued)
11:45–12:53Sharing results
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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