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Root Cause Analysis, more commonly referred to as RCA, is a method of identifying problems and uncovering the deep rooted issues to then identify workable solutions. It helps schools correctly identify actual problems rather than just addressing the symptoms.
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Click Here for a Glossary of Terms
Click Here for a Glossary of Terms
Root Cause
Deepest underlying cause(s) of positive or negative symptoms within any process that, if resolved, would eliminate or substantially reduce the symptom
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
a tool used both reactively, to investigate an adverse event that already has occurred, and proactively, to analyze and improve processes and systems before they break down (Preuss, 2003)
Data Analysis
the process of gathering, reviewing, and evaluating data
Symptoms
the noticeable gap between expectations and reality; the 'red flag' that draws attention to the issue
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Click Here for Online Resources(Everything shown is directly linked to the actual site.)
Root Cause Analysis At-a-Glance:
Root causes are the reasons problems exist
Reducing, or eliminating, the problem requires identifying and eliminating its causes
3 main parts to Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Approach to Root Cause Analysis:
Approach to Root Cause Analysis:
There are 3 main parts to RCA:
identifying a problem
identifying causes of the problem
identifying strategies to address/resolve the problem
Eliminates patching
you work to actually resolve the problem not just 'patch' it up and have to circle back to it later
Facilitates Discussion
Discussions lead to solutions and the RCA process makes necessary discussions occur
Strategy
RCA helps create rationale for the strategies that are selected
This 1:31 video gives you a to the point synopsis of Root Cause Analysis.
The Fishbone Diagram Process
Fishbone Diagram (AKA Ishikawa diagram): a fishbone diagram can help you think about and categorize all of the different factors that led to the issue (the root cause).
Steps to filling out a fishbone diagram:
State the problem (head of fish)
Define your categories (skeleton) - these are not set in stone and can be created or removed at any time throughout the process
brainstorm each category
analyze results
The 5 Why's Method
As you are brainstorming throughout the Fishbone Diagram process you may want to utilize the 5 Why's Method to help uncover the true root cause.
Example:
Initial Cause: The website crashed because it ran out of memory.
Why? Because it was not configured correctly
Why? Because the site admin made a mistake
Why? Because development hadn't provided adequate instructions
Why? Because they assumed it was obvious
(Courtesy of EPM's YouTube Video: Fishbone Diagram Explained with Example)
In this brief 2:02 video, courtesy of MindTools, you will learn more about the 5 Why's method. The 5 Whys technique is a simple but powerful tool for getting to the root of a problem so you can solve it properly.
This 3:20 video will further help clarify the 5 Why's method by showcasing an example based on Taiichi Ohno's Toyota Production System.
Need more examples of the 5 Why's method at work? View this quick 1:30 video to see it applied to the Jefferson Memorial.
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