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 in a different way 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.”

Why is RCA Important

Why is RCA important?

Well there are a number of reason:

  • Getting to the root cause means stopping it from ever happening again
  • A structured problem solving – an agreed approach Determines underlying causes
  • It prevents reoccurrence
  • Provides a permanent solutions
  • It avoids repeats of non-conformities

Also it may be:

  • Part of policy and goals of the Organisation
  • Providing long term improvement
  • A powerful vehicle for training people
  • Analysing for root cause is a mind-set, it takes more time at first but is a ‘high return investment’ for eliminating fire fighting

RCA Approaches

There are many but probably the most popular are:

  • Plan-Do-Check-Act Shewhart or Deming Cycle

  • Gemba Gembutsu or 5 Whys

  • 8D – Eight Disciplines of Problem Solving Process

There is available a RCA Mini Guide in pdf format which also is downloadable by clicking of the image opposite. Note: none printable for actual booklet email sales@qmt.co.uk)

Contents list Green RCA mini guide v7

  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

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RCA Book

Book Introduction

This 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.

INFORMATION

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

eLearning for RCA


Introductory Root Cause Analysis eLearning site: eLearning RCA

 

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