Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Root cause analysis is a methodology that is continually evolving. Like most Quality Improvement approaches it is not magic; “there is no silver bullet”. It is the application of a series of well-known, common sense techniques which used in a different combination can produce a systematic, quantified and documented approach to the identification, understanding and resolution of underlying causes of under achieved quality in organisations.

Below is a definition, which encapsulates the main points of this technique:

“An objective, thorough and disciplined methodology employed to determine the most probable underlying causes of problems and undesired events within an organisation with the aim of formulating and agreeing corrective actions to at least mitigate, if not eliminate those causes and so produce significant long term performance improvement.”

• RCA Training
• RCA Mini Guide (none printable for actual booklet email sales@qmt.co.uk)
• Other Quality Improvement Mini Guides
• RCA Book
• Other Quality Books
• Quality Management & Training Website

Definitions

There are a number of different definitions for Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

• “An objective, thorough and disciplined methodology employed to determine the most probable underlying causes of  problems and undesired events within an organisation with the aim of formulating and agreeing corrective actions to at least mitigate, if not eliminate those causes and so produce significant long term performance improvement.” - Vorley & Tickle, Quality Management (Tools & Techniques), 2002
• “A powerful tool used to identify, record and visually represent the possible causes of a problem”.  Instead of problems and their effects appearing vast and insoluble, root cause analysis breaks down the problem into smaller, more easily handled chunks represented by a ‘fishbone’ diagram”. - Paul Wilson RCA (ASQC)
• “The investigation and reporting the causes of occurrences to enable the identification of corrective actions adequate to prevent recurrence and thereby protect the health and safety of the public, the workers, and the environment.” - RCA Guidance document DOE Guidelines, Feb 92

Why is RCA important?

Well there are a number of reason:

A Mini Guide to Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is available in pdf format which can be downloaded by clicking on the image opposite. (Note: none printable for actual booklet email sales@qmt.co.uk)

Contents list

1)     Introduction.

2)     Why complete Root Cause Analysis?.

3)     QM&T approach to RCA

4)     Practical guide to carrying out an RCA

5)     RCA Tools & Techniques

6)     Look up table for completing an RCA.

7)     Examples RCA’s.

8)     Hints and Tips.

9)     12 Pitfalls of RCA.

An alternative to the mini guide and a more fuller explanation of Root Cause Analysis is available in the book Quality Management Tools & Techniques By: Geoff Vorley MSc MCQI and Fred Tickle BA Ceng MIMech E MIEE MCQI

The book Quality Management (Tools and Techniques) is intended to provide quality professionals and students with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the tools and techniques of quality. It delivers an exploration of the applicability and effectiveness of different quality tools and techniques for all organisational types. The intention being to encourage and stimulate the reader to feel sufficiently confident to use the tools and techniques in a practical and rewarding way.

Quality Management (Tools and Techniques) is part of the Quality Management series of books, which includes; Introduction to Quality, Quality Management (Principles and Practice) and Quality Management (Communications and Projects). For clarity and continuity purposes, there is correctly some overlap between these titles. However, this book is expected to be ‘stand alone’ and a comprehensive and practical reference to all the major quality management tools and techniques.

The overall aim of this book Quality Management (Tools and Techniques) is to:

• Provide a clear awareness and understanding of the disciplines, tools and techniques of quality improvement.

• Enable the user to be capable of practical evaluation of the tools and techniques for a variety of situations.

• Enable the confident application of the appropriate quality tools and techniques for the selected activities in the business or organisation.

Detailed below, is what could reasonably be expected, appreciated and be competent in performing, as a consequence of studying this book.

• Demonstrate and present an argument for the use of the tools and techniques of quality improvement.

• Evaluate the applicability of tools and techniques of quality.

• Appropriately apply the quality tool or technique.

• Appraise the effectiveness of individual applications of the quality tool or technique.

• Analyse the contribution to quality improvement of the tools and techniques in a variety of organisational settings.

• Understand and develop the relationship between an organisation and its suppliers.

INFORMATION

• ISBN 1 904302 19 X
• Pages: 359
• Diagrams & Pictures: 126
• Tables: 47