How to Conduct a Root Cause Analysis
Types of Root Cause Analysis
Root cause analysis is the process of investigating the underlying causes of a thing or situation. Root cause analysis is a method that helps to provide a definitive solution to various problems that arise in both our professional and personal lives today. By using the root cause analysis method, it is possible to delve into the depths of various problems and produce various solutions accordingly. In this article, we will discuss what kind of analysis root cause analysis is, and then explain how this analysis is performed.
Types of Root Cause Analysis
Root cause analysis is a method that is highly effective in completely resolving a problem or administrative issue by focusing on why and how the problem occurred, rather than just seeing it as a mistake or a non-conformance. It prevents the recurrence of the identified issue and the problem that follows. To perform a root cause analysis, the steps that need to be followed must be known and these steps must be implemented correctly. In this way, the accuracy of the obtained result is maximized, and the recurrence of the same problem is prevented.
The 'Five Whys' method is used when performing a root cause analysis.
For example, considering the situation of an actor who had an accident on stage,
1- Why did the actor have an accident? (Because of the weight that fell on them)
2- Why did the weight fall on them? (Because the rope holding the weight was worn out)
3- Why was the rope worn out? (Because it was not replaced as it should have been)
4- Why was the rope not replaced as it should have been? (Because a new rope could not be purchased)
5- Why could a new rope not be purchased? (Due to insufficient budget)
With the answer to the fifth and final question (insufficient budget), the root cause should have been found, or at least very close to being found. However, some problems are more complex and may require identifying more causes. In such cases, before conducting a root cause analysis, various scenarios should be considered, and if necessary, experts in the field or consultants from within or outside the organization should be asked to support the team. Before starting a root cause analysis, an foresight should be developed regarding things that might hinder the execution of this work or make the situation difficult, and if such a situation arises, a method should be decided on how to proceed and progress accordingly. This will make it easier to get to the root of the problem. In short, by prioritizing the causes that lead to the result and considering resource limitations, the measures to be taken are determined, and then, by acting in accordance with the data obtained, the existing problem is solved from its root.
