Reliability, Maintenance & Managing Risk
A week of short courses on Reliability and Risk
July 20-23, 2026
Huntsville, AL
Courses - David
RCA/problem solving
Effective problem solving requires more than symptom correction; it demands disciplined Root Cause Analysis (RCA) supported by credible evidence. This workshop shares a structured, decision‑governed approach that clearly distinguishes problem solving from causal attribution, reducing wasted effort and unsupported conclusions. Emphasis is placed on precise problem definition, systematic identification of causal contributors, and validation of cause‑and‑effect relationships using data and avoiding guesses, opinions and/or beliefs. The framework strives to employ analytical tools within a coherent, traceable process that documents decisions, assumptions, and supporting evidence. By applying this evidence‑based methodology, organizations can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of corrective actions, prevent recurrence, and strengthen accountability. The approach is broadly applicable across safety, quality, reliability, and operational domains.
Strategic Planning
Despite the emphasis placed on strategy, many organizations operate without a coherent, executable strategic plan, relying instead on short term reactions and disconnected initiatives. In a global environment characterized by rapid change, uncertainty, and increasing interdependence, this absence of disciplined strategic planning leaves organizations vulnerable and inefficient. This workshop presents a practical approach to strategic planning that emphasizes decision governance, alignment of objectives and time commitments to ensure the explicit management of of set goals. Effective strategic plans combine prioritization, resource commitment, and rational consistent decision making to ensure desired results. The workshop is applicable to leaders and practitioners seeking sustainable performance improvement in an environment that includes numerous obstacles and barriers.
Facilitation Skills
This interactive workshop teaches core facilitation techniques that transform meetings and workshops into focused, coherent, outcome-driven results; through short demonstrations, practice rounds, and real-time coaching, participants will learn a variety of methods that improve effectiveness and efficiency, create consensus and active participation. The facilitator manages time, space and group dynamics, resolves conflicts constructively, and captures decisions so sessions lead to actions. These skills are applicable practical methods such as leading quality and reliability tools like RCA, FMEA, QFD, etc. This is a foundational skill for Reliability and Quality practitioners who typically run group sessions. This is a career enhancing skill applicable to both work life and personal life.
Finding Your Voice: Practical Strategies for Confident and Impactful Public Speaking
Effective public speaking is a critical skill across disciplines, yet many professionals struggle with anxiety, clarity, and audience engagement. This interactive workshop is designed to help participants develop confidence, authenticity, and presence when speaking in front of groups of any size.
Through a blend of short demonstrations, guided practice, and peer feedback, participants will learn evidence‑informed techniques for organizing ideas, managing nerves, and delivering messages with clarity and impact. Topics include structuring compelling openings and conclusions, using vocal variety and body language intentionally, and adapting messages to diverse audiences and settings. Emphasis is placed on practical tools that can be applied immediately in presentations, meetings, classrooms, and community forums.
The workshop creates a supportive, low‑pressure environment where participants actively practice speaking and receive constructive feedback. Attendees will leave with increased confidence, a collection of adaptable strategies, and a proposed action plan for continued improvement. This session is ideal for professionals, educators, students, and emerging leaders seeking to strengthen their public speaking skills and communicate more effectively.
David Auda
David Auda is an ASQ Fellow, Certified Reliability Engineer and Certified Quality Manager who has worked in a wide variety of industries, to include but is not limited to, sensitized products, energy, automotive, heavy vehicle, aerospace, medical and consumer goods. David’s experience includes, but is not limited to, product design, instrumentation design, medical device design, aerospace systems design, information systems management, infrastructure network management, programming, etc. David has worked extensively in the areas of risk analysis, failure prevention, root cause analysis, problem solving, strategic planning and safety engineering as well as numerous other related disciplines. David has a BSEE from the Rochester Institute of Technology, with honors, Tau Beta Pi, and pursued his master level reliability studies at the RIT Center for Quality and Applied Statistics. David is a frequent presenter at international conferences and symposia, a competent speaker and validated ASQ trainer, delivering presentations and workshops on a wide variety of topics essential to the effective and efficient performance of Reliability and Quality practitioners. David’s most recent deployment was a Reliability and Maintainability Manager at Georgia Pacific’s Dixie works in Darlington South Carolina supporting their $350M+ expansion. David is presently semi-retired, providing consulting and training through a variety of channels.