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How can you improve your root cause analysis skills?

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Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic method of identifying and solving the underlying problems that cause undesirable outcomes. It is widely used in operations research, engineering, management, and other fields that deal with complex systems and processes. RCA can help you improve your performance, quality, safety, and efficiency by preventing recurrence of errors, defects, failures, and incidents. However, RCA is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It requires critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. In this article, you will learn how to improve your RCA skills with some practical tips and tools.

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Jeff Shattuck

Internationally experienced problem solver with maritime, development, biz and tech skillsets.

1 Define the problem clearly

When beginning an RCA, it is essential to define the problem you are trying to solve. A clear problem statement can help you stay on track and prevent unnecessary use of resources. Your problem statement should include a description of the undesirable outcome or situation in specific and measurable terms, the frequency, duration, and timing of the problem, the location or system where it occurred, who was involved or affected by it, and an estimation of its impact, severity, or cost.

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Jeff Shattuck

Internationally experienced problem solver with maritime, development, biz and tech skillsets.
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One recommendation when you are defining the problem clearly- be as absolutely concise as possible! If your problem seems to include too many facets (complicated)- ask yourself, Can this be broken down into smaller work chunks?, and Should it be broken down? Even possibly proceed with your RCA on the smaller chunks, then address the more complicated/multi-faceted RCA, incorporating as many results from the smaller chunked RCAs as possible.

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2 Gather data and evidence

In the next step of RCA, you should gather data and evidence to understand the problem and its causes. This could come from records, reports, interviews, surveys, tests, experiments, or simulations. The type and amount of data and evidence you need will depend on the problem. However, there are some general guidelines to follow when collecting data and evidence. It's important to use multiple and reliable sources to verify and cross-check your information. Additionally, you should collect both quantitative and qualitative data to capture the facts and perspectives of the problem. Appropriate tools and methods should be used for collecting, organizing, and analyzing your data and evidence such as charts, graphs, tables, statistics, or software. Lastly, make sure to document your data and evidence sources, methods, and results for transparency and accountability.

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3 Identify the root causes

The core of RCA is to identify the root causes of the problem, which are the fundamental factors or conditions that directly or indirectly lead to the problem, not the symptoms, effects, or immediate causes. To identify these root causes, you need to ask why the problem occurred and trace back the causal chain until you reach the deepest level of explanation. There are various tools and techniques that can assist in this process, such as The 5 Whys, a simple yet powerful method; The Fishbone Diagram, a visual tool to organize and display the possible causes; The Fault Tree Analysis, a logical tool to map out failure modes and events; and The Pareto Analysis, a statistical tool to prioritize the most significant causes based on the 80/20 rule.

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4 Generate and evaluate solutions

Once you have identified the root causes, you must generate and evaluate possible solutions that can prevent or mitigate the problem. Solutions are actions or interventions that can address the root causes and improve the situation. To ensure their effectiveness, feasibility, cost, benefits, and risks, you must consider various tools and methods such as brainstorming, SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, or decision matrix. Evaluating these aspects will help you determine how well the solution solves the problem and achieves the desired outcome, how practical it is to implement and sustain, how much resources it requires in terms of time and effort, how much value it adds for stakeholders, and how much potential negative consequences or side effects it introduces or reduces.

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5 Implement and monitor solutions

The final step in RCA is to implement and monitor the solutions you have chosen. This process entails planning the scope, objectives, tasks, roles, responsibilities, timeline, and budget of the implementation and monitoring process. It is also important to communicate with relevant stakeholders about the solutions and their expectations. After executing the tasks and activities required to implement the solutions, you should review the data and evidence that indicate the performance and outcomes of the solutions and compare them with the baseline and targets. Finally, if any problems or challenges arise during the process, you should adjust the solutions accordingly.

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Jeff Shattuck

Internationally experienced problem solver with maritime, development, biz and tech skillsets.
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In my experience, the person or team tasked with RCA isnt the same to be tasked with implementation and monitoring results. It is always the strongest recommendation for any RCA team to compare actual results against recommendations. Hopefully, operations will be reporting back to advise results. However, often doesnt happen. This vital step of recording results is vital for RCA teams to achieve fine granularity of experience and training. No RCA team should check off the project without recording results.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you improve your root cause analysis skills?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define the problem clearly

2 Gather data and evidence

3 Identify the root causes

4 Generate and evaluate solutions

5 Implement and monitor solutions

6 Here’s what else to consider

Operations Research

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How can you improve your root cause analysis skills?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define the problem clearly

2 Gather data and evidence

3 Identify the root causes

4 Generate and evaluate solutions

5 Implement and monitor solutions

6 Here’s what else to consider

Operations Research

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感谢您的反馈

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