ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS

ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS:

ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS (RCA) is defined as the process of identifying what is main reason behind the problem, and what are the steps required or needed to overcome it.

This can used by most of the business analysts, to identify and analyze the problems and try to figure out the solutions for it.

It tries figure out the cause from the root or origin in the process of fixing the problem. Every issue comes with its own background and has a different theory attached to its occurrence. The RCA helps in getting the exact reason for the problem. RCA could be performed as soon as the defect or variance is detected to avoid major problems in the future. It is recommended to involve the stakeholders while conducting the RCA. Involving stakeholder’s helps in getting away from the fictionalization of the facts.

The following are the techniques in the Root Cause Analysis:

• 5 Why’s
• Tabular Method
• Fishbone Diagram
• MOST Analysis Technique
• PESTLE Technique

1. 5 WHY’S: This technique is all about asking the question as many times as possible in order to get the solution for the problem occurred.

• 5 Why this method is used
• 5 Why this technique is used in the six sigma process
• 5 Why is this often used in the coordination of activities
• 5 Why is this the most effective method or technique
• 5 why exercise is the first step to form the team then define the problem to them and ask why to the team, determine and implement.

2. Tabular Method: It is a process to prepare a checklist or table of actions related to the currently running processes in any organization. In case of failure, the master checklist is referred to find deviation. It is a tool used to help and prevent the unthinking reaction.

3. Fishbone Diagram: This is the tool that is required to make it possible with all the basic causes in a retrospective manner or all the possible outcomes in a prospective manner.

A cause and effect diagram often called a “fishbone” diagram can help in brainstorming to identify possible causes of a problem and in sorting ideas into useful categories. The root cause analysis process is also known as the “Ishikawa Diagram”, the “Fishbone Diagram,” and the “cause-and-effect diagram.”

• People
• Processes
• Machines
• Materials
• Environment

4. Most Analysis Technique: There are altogether four tiers in this analysis technique.

M – MISSION

O – OBJECTIVES

S – STRATEGY

T – TACTICS

• Mission – it defines what the business the organization is in is and how it tends to achieve it.
• Objectives – It defines how they measure the key and important goals in an organization by achieving them.
• Strategy – It defines what the strategy of the business in the organization is and how it tends to achieve the organizational objectives in medium of long – term approach.
• Tactics – Tends to achieve the organizational objectives in short term operational plans and projects that will implement the strategy.

5. PESTLE Technique: This technique is described as the process of dealing the project with all the external factors that affect the business of an organization.

P – POLITICAL

E – ECONOMICAL

S – SOCIOLOGICAL

T – TECHNICAL

L – LEGAL

E – ENVIRONMENTAL