Practical Skills for Investigators (MEDA)

How will this course benefit me?

This practical, skills-focused course gives you the complete skill set and techniques to confidently conduct effective MEDA-based investigations and present your findings. You will be given the opportunity to develop your interview skills using the latest thinking in cognitive interviewing techniques, You will also develop improved investigation planning, preparation, and data analysis in your inquiries. One area we consistently find weak when reviewing investigations, is the development of effective, efficient and sustainable recommendations; this will form a key element of the course.

You will be taken through a series of evaluated exercises both in syndicates and as individuals and will have ample opportunity to apply skills learnt in the classroom in ‘real-world’ scenarios. Emphasis is placed throughout the course on the human element of error and the complexities involved in its investigation, with particular emphasis on our unconscious biases.

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Increase your contribution to your organisation’s safety and efficiency standards
• Reduce your exposure to risk and risk-provocative situations
• Provide cost savings through reduction of unnecessary rework
• Improve reliability

Key areas of focus

• Overview of Human Factors and Error Management, specifically error, rule-breaking and defences against them
• In-depth look at the Boeing Maintenance Error Decision Aid (MEDA) investigation tool
• Investigation planning and preparation
• Interview skill including rapport building, opening, conducting and closing interviews
• Collecting suitable data as evidence
• Analysis of the data and drawing conclusions
• Development of effective, efficient and sustainable interventions 
• Extensive real-world based exercises including a final mock investigation

Note: This course is identical to our TS30 course, but is based on the Boeing MEDA report form and taxonomy. If you do not use MEDA please book the TS30 course.

Is this course right for me?

This is a practitioner level course, ideally suited for new and prospective event investigators, typically:

• Quality Assurance Staff
• MEDA Coordinators
• Engineering Staff who are conducting investigations

This course would also benefit:

• Regulatory Authority Inspecting Staff
• Newly-promoted Maintenance Managers

This course is also suitable if you wish to gain a deeper understanding of ‘Just Culture’ within your organisation or if you are experiencing resistance with engagement in an effective reporting Culture.

Prerequisites:
Delegates should previously have attended training in Human Factors and be within date (2yrs) for their refresher training. A basic understanding of Just Culture principles will also be beneficial.

Course details
Course format: This course is a balanced mix of group discussions, flipchart work and PowerPoint presentations. Managed syndicate exercises give you the opportunity to practice the application and evaluation of new processes and techniques.
Course level: Practitioner Level Training (P) is suitable for those with relevant experience in the subject matter who are looking to enhance their specialist skills and knowledge and keep abreast of latest technical developments. 
Assessment process: No formal assessment. Formative feedback is provided by the facilitator.
Course size: 8 persons maximum at our Aviation Safety Academy or on-site at your facility. This small class size enables full delegate participation in the scenario based practical exercises.