Root Cause Analysis

Define the Problem

• What is the negative result?
• What are the specific symptoms?

Collect Data

• How long has the problem existed?
• What is the impact of the problem?

Identify Possible Causal Factors

• What sequence of events leads to the problem?
• What conditions allow the problem to occur?

Identify the Root Cause(s)

• Ask “Why”
• What is the real reason the problem occurred?

Recommend and Implement Solutions

• What can you do to prevent the problem from happening again?
• How will the solution be implemented?

The “5- Whys”

5-Why Process

1. Identify the problem
2. Identify the cause(s) of the problem by asking “Why did this happen?”
3. Note them down in a diagram or table
4. For each of the causes you’ve identified , once again ask “why did this happen?” and identify their causes

Insure that you have asked “why” to each problem 5 times, or as many times it takes to identify logical root causes.