Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic process through which one understands why something happened by identifying the root cause(s) to a problem (or) observation followed by identification of recommendations for preventing the recurrence of the same. While it is obvious that any problem (or) observation is due to a ‘root cause’, it is not trivial to find out the root cause(s). In fact, a root cause will manifest itself as more than one symptom.
According to Rooney, J. J., & Heuvel, L. N. V. (2004), Root causes are specific underlying causes, reasonably identifiable, controllable by management and those that allow identification of recommendations for preventing the recurrence of the problem (or) observation.
The RCA process typically involves,
- stating of the objective,
- data collection,
- cause charting (Eg. Fishbone Diagram),
- root cause identification (Eg. 5-Why) and
- recommendation generation.
Recommended actions in RCA go beyond the correction actions required for sorting out the problem (or) fixing the issue due to the observation. They include Corrective Actions (which are identified reactively to prevent the recurrence of the problem or observation that has occurred) and Preventive Actions (which are identified proactively to prevent the occurrence of the problem or observation).
RCA should be done in a systematic manner by someone who is identified by the stakeholders. Passive voice is preferred in the action report to avoid the participants perceiving the exercise as a blame game.
Finally, RCAs should be done only when the efforts involved in RCA is commensurate to the significance of the problem (or) observation.
References:
- Rooney, J. J., & Heuvel, L. N. V. (2004). Root cause analysis for beginners. Quality progress, 37(7), 45-56.
Dr. Selvaraj Vadivelu 