Course Information
Root Cause Mastery in Audits
Parking for SAO, Professional Development courses is in Garage B (1511 San Jacinto Blvd.). The Garage signage may read 1511 San Jacinto or Garage B. The elevator in Garage B is not reliable. If you are unable to walk the stairs, please contact the professionaldevelopment@sao.texas.gov for alternate parking arrangements. Handicapped parking is free at the meters around the downtown area.
A course coordinator will email you a parking permit prior to the course start date. A permit must be displayed or you will be ticketed.
Course Description
The ability to conduct effective root cause analysis is an essential tool to have in your auditor skill set. Yet, root cause analysis methods are rarely taught to anyone but engineering or design professionals. This course is an intensive 8-hour experiential learning course. We will teach the three most common methods of root-cause analysis used by auditors as well as break into teams and practice each method based on scenarios provided. Auditors leave this course with a practical, experiential basis to start incorporating root cause analysis into their own auditing positions. Please note this course includes significant break-out time to practice skills learned; therefore, participants should be ready to spend less than 50% of time in content development and more than 50% of time in practice of content in team exercises to ensure effective learning and skills development.
Course Objectives
Learn about each method of root cause analysis and where and how it is typically used in an auditing scenario.
Learn how to complete root cause analysis using the three most common methods that are used in auditing
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Clarify what the problem is and is not.
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Map a trail from the symptom to the root cause(s).
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Generate ideas to solve the root cause problem and select the most appropriate solution using decision matrices
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Using the appropriate RCA investigative tools, identify the root cause
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Recognize common barriers to root cause analysis and apply techniques to overcome those barriers
Determine where and how to apply root cause analysis in their own auditing positions and projects.
Course Outline
Introduction: Root Cause Analysis Overview
. Overview of Root Cause Analysis
. Problem Types
. Problem Definitions
Lesson 2: Finding the Root Cause
. Methods of completing root cause analysis
. Explore chains of causes, cause and effect charting
. Study interrelationships and the need for evidence
. Use data analysis & investigative tools
. Identify root causes
. CASE STUDY BREAKOUTS 1,2,3
Lesson 3: Fix the Root Cause
. Propose potential solutions
. Solution brainstorming
. Solution Qualification
. Develop Action Plan to implement solution
. Recommending effective solutions
. CASE STUDY BREAKOUT 4,5
Lesson 4: Overcoming Barriers
. Barriers to Root Causes Analysis
. Solutions to Barriers
Building RCA into Audit Plans
CASE STUDY BREAKOUT 6
Instructors
Audit Transformation Expert and Global Thought Leader in AI Auditing
Elizabeth is recognized as one of the world’s most senior and experienced AI auditors, blending over 32 years of auditing expertise with pioneering leadership in artificial intelligence tools and implementations. A master-level AI designer and certified AI practitioner, Elizabeth was among the first professionals globally selected to test and train in AI technologies for business and audit applications. She has spent the past three years deeply immersed in AI systems, governance, design, and risk—positioning her at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
Elizabeth is also one of SAO’s highest-rated professional development trainers and a frequent keynote figure in the world of organizational performance. Her career began in high-stakes environments—working for an ISO9000/14000/18000/27001 and EHS auditing —where she led audits across dozens of organizations including U.S. military installations, pharmaceutical and energy companies, research and development laboratories, and regulated entities in high-risk sectors like oil, gas, and power as well as local, state, and federal government agencies.
While at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Elizabeth developed the original regulatory framework for the Clean Texas performance-based auditing program, collaborating closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to align federal and state compliance strategies. This groundbreaking work set the stage for her career-long mission: transforming auditing into a force for innovation, compliance, and business performance.
Elizabeth is widely respected for her ability to demystify AI for auditors and business leaders, empowering professionals to both audit AI technologies effectively and use AI to dramatically enhance the speed, accuracy, and strategic impact of auditing itself.
She is the creator of a culture-change approach to auditing, which she has used to train thousands of internal auditors around the world. Her model teaches auditors how to:
Align audits with business strategy and performance goals,
Conduct audits that elevate organizational culture and leadership engagement,
Translate audit findings into measurable business outcomes.
Elizabeth is a sought-after keynote speaker, best-selling author, and executive trainer, known for making the complex simple and inspiring auditors to embrace innovation without compromising rigor. With her unique combination of technical AI mastery, deep regulatory knowledge, and decades of field-tested audit experience, Elizabeth is not just teaching the future of auditing—she's helping define it.
Additional Information
If you are making travel plans to come to Austin, we recommend making "refundable" air and hotel reservations or waiting until 14 days before the class to actually book your reservations. Courses are occasionally canceled or rescheduled due to low enrollment. We determine whether a course has enough participants 16 days prior to the course date. If we cancel or reschedule, we will email the participant and his or her billing contact no later than 14 days before the original class date.
The course coordinator will contact you with parking information. Handicapped parking is free at the meters around the downtown area.
Vending machines with Coca-Cola products and various snack items are available. There is also a refrigerator and microwave in our coffee bar area. Feel free to bring in your own drinks and food if you prefer.
You might want to bring a light sweater or jacket, as room temperatures vary.
To see answers to our Frequently Asked Questions, visit http://www.sao.texas.gov/training/faq.html.