CPD credits 2. Provider: ONOVO (Pty) Ltd. (SAIChE-SPV-008/27)
To equip participants with the skills to efficiently and systematically identify causes of failure in complex processes and equipment. Six-week online course (one per week), including Q&A sessions.
This course is for candidate and professional engineers, technicians, technologists, maintenance managers, and students preparing for professional practice in the fields of engineering (all disciplines) as well as other fields involving equipment maintenance.
Background
Maintenance is often an understudied and neglected sphere in industry. It commonly does not add to the short-term profitability of an enterprise. Time and expense towards maintenance is thus approached begrudgingly in many enterprises. Identifying problems and key points of failure in processes and products, however, greatly serve the long-term reliability of processes and products thereby positively impacting a company’s long-term reputation. Improved failure identification and prevention can improve maintenance regimes, resulting in less downtime and thus cost savings.
Identifying points of failure is often perceived as an inexact science, relying on strategies of trial and error, as well as the knowledge of experienced and more senior servicemen. Numerous tools however have been developed by various sectors of industry that can provide methods and frameworks for even a young and low-experienced team to efficiently isolate recurring problems in a timeous manner and without deep reliance on senior experienced personnel. If applied correctly, the dread of maintenance and repair activities can be greatly reduced in terms of time and expense, while the benefits of failure identification can improve the long-term reliability of processes and products.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants should be able to:
- Systematically identify problems in process and equipment failures by applying root cause analysis techniques
- Use root cause analysis techniques to improve reliability and maintenance regimes.
Overview
The 6 modules are presented as online lectures, one lecture per week. Apart from the teaching every week during the lecture, the participants are given an opportunity to participate in Question and Answer (Q&A) sessions, one each week, where they can ask questions on what was covered in the lectures. Participants are also given tasks that they must complete in their own time, in order to put the techniques into practice. Participants will have access to the detailed lecture notes, which they can download, and they can listen to recordings of the lectures.
Module 1: Introduction and 4 Why’s method.
In this module Dr Osman provides an introduction to Root Cause Analysis, it’s principles and goals as well as it’s benefits. The techniques of Root Cause analysis are also listed and this first module begins by looking at one of the most simplest of root cause analysis techniques, namely “4 Why’s”. The technique, it’s benefits and disadvantages are illustrated using 2 practical examples.
Module 2: Change Analysis/Event Analysis
In this module, we focus on the technique of Change Analysis, also referred to as Event Analysis. This technique uses a number of keywords and a template to rigorously describe and distinguish deviations from normal operation, often in real-time and short term operation. The benefits and drawbacks of this technique are illustrated using an industrial example.
Module 3: Cause and Effect Ishikawa Analysis
In this module, the Ishikawa diagram, also known as the fishbone or tree diagram is explored as another popular method of root cause analysis for ongoing problems. Use of the Ishikawa diagram is illustrated using a common industry problem. Numerous tips to get the most out of this technique are cited.
Module 4: Barrier Analysis
In this module, the theory of Barrier Analysis is introduced. This method is an extension of design safety strategies which views hazards and events unfolding as a product of the passage of barriers that prevent them. An industrial example illustrates this.
Module 5: Pareto Charts
In this Module Pareto Charts are introduced, which are particularly useful for companies that already keep good logs on incident reports. An industrial example is used to illustrate how they work and can be applied effectively.
Module 6: Failure Mode and Effect Analysis
This final module illustrates the use of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis as a semi-quantitative way to identify and rank common failures and their priority.
Course fees for 2026
When delivered in online-mode as per regular scheduling:
R 2200 per person, OR R2000 pp if 5 or more participants from the same organization.
For bona fide STUDENTS a special student price of R1100 is offered. Proof of active registration with a recognized educational institution is required
For in-person sessions requiring a venue at participants convenience, kindly enquire via email to
Certificates of completion of the course will be given to all participants who attend all 6 modules, and took part in the Q&A meetings. Certificates may be used to claim CPD activity on your ECSA profile.
Refund Policy:
A full refund of fees paid for the course will be given to all paid-up and registered attendees if the course does not take place or cannot be completed by the organizers due to unforeseen circumstances.
For more information, or to make your booking, contact
Course dates. Please go to Events for the latest course dates.
Starting 6 April 2026 - Register by 27 March 2026
Testimonials from previous participants
“Incredibly valuable. I can use what I’ve learnt in the course and use it practically. It is not just a course one takes to get a certificate, but rather it adds value to your everyday work” - Maselaelo Rangata, Tronox
“Really found the exercises useful – both mine and other delegates” – Deborah Mitchell, Ishecon
“The course is very valuable since it explains the methods of root cause analysis in an easy to learn approach and practical process engineering examples are given which further enhances the ability to grasp the methods and how to apply them.” – Farai Takunda Mashayamombe, Private Participant
“It was worth it. A solid 9.5/10” – Siyabonga Nzimande, Tronox
