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Root cause?
A root cause is one of the most basic, or fundamental causes
of the condition that we are concerned with. Since the condition is
usually affected by many things (physical conditions, human behavior,
behavior of systems, or processes), several root causes will usually be
found.
The Root Cause
Analysis Process
The most common element of RCA methods includes
asking why today's condition occurred, recording the answers, and
then asking why for each answer, again and again. RCA attempts to identify
contributing factors and all causes. This allows to proceed further, by
asking why, until the desired goal of finding the "root" causes
is reached.
Finding root causes will lead us to the next step: evaluating the best
method to change the root cause so we can improve our current
condition. That is another process, commonly known as corrective and
preventive action. While searching for root cause, we must remember to
review each found cause and factor for correction as well, since this can
also provide for great improvements.
While the term RCA is generic in the
sense that there are many existing different methodologies,
it does indicate that some structural
methodology will be used on the problem at hand.
Compare:
Theory of
Constraints |
Dialectical Inquiry
| Brainstorming |
Six Thinking Hats |
Kepner-Tregoe Matrix |
Crisis Management
|
Scenario Planning |
Game Theory |
Real Options
| Plausibility Theory
| RACI
More management models
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