Root Cause Analysis

COURSE OBJECTIVES

How can you uncover the root causes of issues identified during your audits and incorporate them into your recommendations?

This course introduces tools and techniques to incorporate root cause analysis in each phase of the audit process and make recommendations that address the underlying causes of observed deficiencies. By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the use of root cause analysis throughout the audit process;
• Identify and assess common categories of root causes;
• Recognize and mitigate cognitive biases that can affect audit judgment and analysis;
• Apply key root cause analysis techniques to analyze audit issues in a structured manner;
• Develop clear, targeted recommendations that address underlying causes and support improvements.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

This course is for internal and external auditors at all levels who work on complex audits.

COURSE FORMAT

This 12-hour live virtual course is delivered over 2 days. The course includes a mix of instructor-led content, interactive exercises, and break-out sessions.

COURSE OUTLINE

February 10 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ET

• Introduction to root cause analysis
• Root cause analysis and the audit process
• Cognitive biases and their impact on identifying root causes
• Main categories of possible root causes
• Root cause analysis techniques:
  • Fishbone diagram

February 11 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ET

• Root cause analysis techniques (cont’d):
  • Five why’s
  • Cause mapping
  • Pareto charts
• Crafting good audit recommendations
• Review of key concepts

TESTIMONIALS

“Great instructors, they clearly know their stuff and have enthusiasm for the subject matter.”

“This was excellent. I liked the interaction and the group work. Of all the professional development sessions I have completed lately, this is the most relevant and useful. I think it will be very useful in the performance audits I am working on now and in the future.”

“This is a tremendous course that I will urge my colleagues to attend in future sessions. I believe we would all greatly benefit from taking this course.”

ACCREDITATION

Course hours can be submitted for continuing professional development credits, subject to approval by IIA, CPA Canada, or other professional associations.

CANCELLATION POLICY

A cancellation fee of $100 (plus applicable tax) will be applied to cancellations received up to 30 days before the first day of the course. Refunds will not be issued after that date. Substitutions will be permitted up to 10 days before the first day of the course for a fee of $50 (plus applicable tax).

CAAF reserves the right to cancel the course due to insufficient registration. Should CAAF decide to cancel a course, registrants will be notified two (2) weeks in advance and will be given the opportunity to receive a full refund or defer their enrolment to a future course offering.