Root Cause Analysis

Definition

Root Cause Analysis: 5 Why, fishbone diagrams, Pareto analysis, containment, corrective action, verification, and recurrence prevention.

History

Root Cause Analysis is part of the practical quality and improvement toolkit used to make work visible, analyze process behavior, reduce risk, and support better decisions.

When to Use

Use Root Cause Analysis when a specific process question, risk, waste pattern, measurement issue, or improvement opportunity needs a practical analysis or execution method.

Step-by-Step

• State the process question Root Cause Analysis is expected to answer.
• Collect the required inputs and confirm that definitions are consistent.
• Apply the tool with the right level of rigor for the risk and decision.
• Translate findings into action, ownership, verification, and follow-up.

Examples

• Apply Root Cause Analysis to a real process, project, role, or learning path where the entry can guide a decision.
• Connect the entry to at least one guide, tool, template, case study, or implementation review before treating it as complete.

Common Pitfalls

• Using Root Cause Analysis as terminology only, without connecting it to behavior, evidence, or process results.
• Skipping operational definitions, ownership, context, or follow-up when applying the entry.
• Forcing the entry into a situation where another BoK method or reference would fit better.

Related Tools

• Root Cause Analysis Hub (Hub)
• 5-Why Root Cause Analysis (Guide)
• 5-Why Tool (Tool)

Further Reading

• Root Cause Analysis Hub
• 5-Why Root Cause Analysis
• 5-Why Tool