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Course

Root Cause Analysis

BUSA-80068

Solve Problems at the Source. Drive Real Change.

Every inefficiency has a root cause—are you ready to find it? This one-day, hands-on workshop equips you with the tools and techniques systematically identify and elimnate process inneficiences using the A3 Root Cause Analysis method.
 






 

 

Workshop Overview

A3 Root Cause Analysis is a structured, systematic approach to help problem solvers identify and eliminate the root cause(s) of process inefficiencies.

In this one-day, hands-on workshop, attendees dive deep into the 5-step DMAIC Problem-Solving Process and develop a strong understanding of advanced root cause analysis tools and techniques. Through practical examples, interactive activities, and a real-world case study, participants will gain direct experience applying the A3 template.

This workshop is ideal for professionals across all industries looking to enhance their problem-solving skills, as well as Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belts seeking a refresher.

By the end of the session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how to apply the A3 template and the DMAIC process to drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in their organizations.

Why Attend?

  •  Master the 5-Step DMAIC Process – Learn how to break down complex problems and implement sustainable solutions.
  • Hands-On Learning – Apply advanced root cause analysis techniques through real-world case students and interactive excercises. .
  • Boost Your Career – Strengthen your problem-solving skills and become the go-to expert for process improvement in your organization.
  • For All Professionals – Whether you're in operations, healthcare, tech, finance, or any industry, this workshop provides you with valuable insights. 

What You’ll Learn:

  •  How to apply the A3 problem-solving template for structured decision-making
  • Techniques to uncover hidden inefficiencies and root causes
  • Practical approaches to turn data into actionable insights
  • How to drive meaningful, sustainable improvements in your organization
     

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is perfect for:

   ✔ Professionals across all industries looking to enhance their problem-solving skills
   ✔ Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belts seeking a refresher on advanced root cause techniques
   ✔ Managers, team leads, and process improvement professionals eager to drive measurable results

Workshop Details

    Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
    Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM PT
    Location: UC San Diego Extended Studies; 8980 Villa La Jolla Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
    Instructor: Jim Athon, LSS Master Black Belt
    Fee: $590 *includes lunch & workbook

    Format: In-Person, interactive and hands-on with practical exercises.
    Your Mentor: Jim Athon, LSS Master Black Belt

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Questions?

We’re here to help! If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your education.
 

Contact Your Program Manager, Angela Miller

📅 Schedule a Phone Appointment or email: ProcessPrograms@ucsd.edu

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Course Information

In-Person
0.00 units
$590.00

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Course sessions

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Section ID:

191347

Class type:

This is a traditional classroom setting.

All class meetings held in-person according to published location, dates and times. Students may be expected to engage with course content online during the published course dates.

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 8/7/2025

Note:

This one-day in-person workshop takes place at UC San Diego's 8980, located at: 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037. Lunch and a workbook are provided as part of this training. Please contact ProcessPrograms@ucsd.edu with any questions.

Schedule:

Date Day Start End Location
8/8/2025 Fri 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Room 450, UCSD Division of Extended Studies 8980, 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive, San Diego
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Instructor: James Athon

James Athon
Jim Athon is a Continuous Improvement COE leader and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. He has had nearly 25-years of success in driving process improvement methodologies, principles, and best practices. Since 2001, Jim has served as the President of The Athon Group, Inc., a premier supplier of Six Sigma training, coaching, and consulting services at all levels of Lean Six Sigma deployment, including Executive Leadership, Champion, Master Black Belt, Black Belt, and Green Belt. He has personally trained and coached over 500 Black Belts and over 200 Green Belts, with his primary focus being teaching the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) problem-solving framework.

After earning a Master Black Belt at General Electric, Jim has led Lean Six Sigma projects for prominent organizations such as Target, Chevron, Cisco, Nokia, Kraft Foods, Schwab, and Adena Health Systems, and spearheaded over 42 million in revenue gains. He is a catalyst for standardization of processes, digital transformation, technology optimization, and is passionate about transforming inefficient and error-prone activities into lean, efficient, and repeatable processes.

As a Lean Six Sigma expert and trainer, Jim has presented at over 30 industry seminars, as well as coached and mentored over 1,000 Green and Black Belt professionals. His vast experience and unique ability to communicate complex concepts into commonly understood language and relatable examples make him an exceptional coach and mentor.

Jim proudly served for 10-years in the US Air Force Reserve & was honorably discharged as E5 Staff Sergeant.
 
 
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