Root-cause analysis investigates why a problem occurred rather than treating only its symptoms. It can use techniques such as Five Whys, fishbone diagrams and fault trees.
How to use this tool
Define and evidence the problem
Define and evidence the problem.
Gather data on occurrence
Gather data about when, where and how it occurs.
Test causal explanations
Test competing causal explanations.
Address and monitor
Address verified causes and monitor recurrence.
References & further reading
Andersen, B. and Fagerhaug, T. (2006). Root Cause Analysis, 2nd ed. ASQ Quality Press. ISBN 9780873896924.