In the aim to solve problems at any level and realm be it educational, business related, science and medical one must look at the root cause that is the underlying cause of the problem or performance gap.   Root cause analysis goes being a band-aid approach, which may only pacify and solve the symptoms but not the cause of a problem. RCA finds the source of the problem.

Root cause analysis with all forms of Human Performance Technology concepts looks at systematic approach to the underlying cause of the problem. 

Three Basic Causes

• Physical Causes, which include an actually malfunction or mechanical breakdown in a part of piece of equipment.

• Human Causes, an individual did something wrong, either by mistake or lack of training.

• Organizational Causes, roles not clarified, training manuals incorrect, management discrepancy.

Root Cause Analysis Process

1. Define Problem

2. Collect Data

3. Identify Causal Factors

4. Identify the Root Causes

5. Recommend and Implement Solutions

Tools Used in Root Cause Analysis

• Brainstorming

• Fishbone Diagram

• Scatter Diagram

• Flow Chart

• Run Charts

• Tree Diagrams

Example of  Fishbone Diagram for Root Cause Analysis

Sources:

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_80.htm

http://www.isixsigma.com/tools-templates/cause-effect/determine-root-cause-5-whys/

www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/nasa/root_cause_analysis.pdf

http://www.manufacturing-operations-management.com/manufacturing/quality-assurance/