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Root Cause Analysis: A Leader's Guide to Problem Solving (Udemy.com)

Structured problem solving for leaders: 8D method, corrective actions, and practical root cause tools

Created by: Ray Harkins

Last updated August 2026

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What you will learn

  • What is a problem?
  • What are some popular problem solving methodologies?
  • What is the 8D method?
  • How to step through an 8D Corrective Action Report
  • Keys to understanding each of the disciples
  • Access to 8D templates that they can download and adapt to their own purposes

How it compares

Against the other 1,210 rated Udemy courses in Business on CourseDuck:

  • Rating4.5 out of 5higher than 46% of them
  • Reviews1,283#386 of 1,211 by number of reviews
  • Length1.9 hoursshorter than 67% of them
  • Last updatedAugust 2026more recently than 87% of them

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Course Description

In manufacturing, quality, and operations, recurring problems don’t just waste time—they drain profits, frustrate teams, and damage customer trust. Too often, “solutions” stop at blaming operator error or adding more training. But those fixes only scratch the surface.

This course shows you how to move beyond surface-level fixes by mastering Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and the 8D Problem Solving method—the same structured approach adopted by global leaders in automotive, aerospace, and beyond.

Whether you’re a quality engineer, production manager, supervisor, or operations leader, this course will give you the tools to identify true causes, eliminate defects, and prevent problems from coming back.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The 8 Disciplines (8D) of Problem Solving: A proven step-by-step framework

  • Root Cause Analysis techniques to uncover what’s really driving defects

  • How to separate symptoms from causes so you stop treating the wrong problem

  • Short- and long-term corrective actions that actually work

  • Prevention strategies to make solutions stick and reduce future risk

  • Team-based problem solving that creates ownership and lasting results

Practical Tools You’ll Get:

  • Downloadable 8D templates you can adapt for your organization

  • Case study practice to apply methods to real-world problems

  • Clear explanations—no jargon, no fluff

  • Step-by-step guidance you can apply immediately in your workplace

Why This Course Works:

  • Designed specifically for engineering, quality, manufacturing, and operations professionals

  • Concise, practical lessons you can finish in an afternoon or evening

  • Proven methods used by thousands of companies worldwide

  • LIFETIME ACCESS so you can refresh your skills whenever you need them

  • Access to an instructor with 30+ years of hands-on industry experience

What Professionals Are Saying:

“Very interesting course. As a beginner I learned a lot of root cause analysis.” – Maxine W.
“Informative high-level class to refresh old knowledge and learn terminology to speak intelligently.” – Greg F.
“The course is short but very informative and relatable, I highly recommend.” – Kenneth M.

This course is ideal for:

  • Quality Engineers and Technicians

  • Manufacturing and Process Engineers

  • Production Supervisors and Managers

  • Operations and Continuous Improvement Professionals

If you’re responsible for solving problems—or leading teams that do—this course will sharpen your skills and give you a structured method that works.

Take the Next Step.

Stop chasing symptoms. Start solving root causes. With the 8D Problem Solving method, you’ll reduce defects, improve processes, and lead your teams to lasting results.

Enroll today and take the first step toward mastering problem solving in engineering, quality, and operations.

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Instructor Details

Ray Harkins

Ray Harkins is a senior manufacturing leader, educator, and founder of The Manufacturing Academy, with more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, quality engineering and management, and operations leadership. He currently serves as a General Manager in manufacturing, overseeing operations, quality, engineering, and continuous improvement while remaining actively engaged in solving the day-to-day challenges faced by manufacturers.

After beginning his career in manufacturing engineering, Ray expanded into quality and operations leadership, working alongside leading industry professionals throughout North America and Japan and touring hundreds of manufacturing facilities. These experiences shaped his belief that manufacturing professionals deserve practical training that they can immediately apply to improve quality, productivity, and their careers.

That philosophy has guided the development of more than 60 online courses covering Lean Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control, Supply Chain Analytics, Manufacturing Leadership, Reliability Engineering, and Operations Management. His courses are used by individual professionals and corporate training departments worldwide and have helped more than 140,000 students build practical skills and advance their careers.

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Reviews

4.5

1,283 ratings on Udemy

Select a bar to show only those reviews.Select the bar again to show every rating.

By Anonymized User on 6/22/2026

Very informative, a few concepts were nice refreshers and I really liked the detail even in a brief course like this. I will continue to utilize your courses for continued learning. Thank you Ray!

By Aries Rodelio Cruz on 3/23/2026

The root cause analysis module was really helpful for me. It helped me move beyond quick fixes and focus on identifying the real source of problems, leading to more effective and lasting solutions.

By Suresh Gatti on 10/1/2025

Yes, its awesome course and trainer has very well knowledge to keep the learnings more practical way to action for execution of the things related to RCA.

By Jason Esparagoza on 9/15/2025

Additional and valuable insights for us as aspiring leaders—learnings that we can apply not only within our company but also in our daily lives.

By Subramanian L101 on 9/1/2025

Yes it was. While the same /similar steps is being done, but with some entropy and there are risks that some points may be missed. So this class provides insights to do the Same thing in a structured fashion and that is definitely helpful

By Khanh Phuong Ngoc Doan on 6/29/2025

Overall, it was good experience. Somewhat similar to the other course I watched earlier, but have the add-on of 8D templates, which is something new and interesting to me. Hopefully, I can apply it to my daily work. Thank you

By David Hueso on 8/29/2024

Este curso de Root Cause se puede determinar por medio del formato 8d Con el apoyo del equipo de soporte Ingenieria, Calidad, Manufactura, y vi que es muy importante reconocer al equipo de trabajo

By Harshini Khatokar on 2/19/2024

Very short & crisp tutorial & sharing the best CAR form for users to use & apply in their organization. Very much happy for the detail notes. Thank you

By Maxime de Waele on 11/23/2023

Very interesting course. As a beginner I learned a lot of root cause analysis. The only thing that I was dissapointed in was in fact that a lot of information was just read from the powerpoint. I would be better if there were more schematics and summary's used.

By Anonymized User on 10/23/2023

informative high-level class to refresh old knowledge on root cause analysis, and learn the terminology to speak intelligently on the subject.

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Overall Score : 90 / 100