Best of the CQI eLibrary: root cause analysis

With many industries focused on reducing the cost of quality, we searched the CQI eLibrary for the best articles on root cause analysis, a problem solving technique used to define a problem, establish when and where it occurred, and the extent of the problem, before determining a solution.

The eLibrary is one of your member benefits. You can use it to search through thousands of journals, magazines, leading professional articles, reports and more.

A Better Way

This article explains the importance of root cause analysis. The topics discussed include the role of root cause analysis for determining the root cause of failure in industry and the benefits of the process for specification measurement. The author also explains the eight disciplines involving root cause analysis such as problem description, root cause identification and implementation of corrective actions.

Root cause analysis

This article focuses on root cause analysis in relation to industrial safety and the prevention of accidents. Topics discussed include understanding controls operations opted by the fleet management provider Ryder System, inspection of employees’ tools for the job, establishment of sound safety policies and the role of consultants in an incident investigation and analysis.

The art of root cause analysis

This piece focuses on the Five Whys analysis, which requires you to ask the right questions at the right time to arrive at the root causes of problem. Topics include not leaving any loose ends while asking the questions, recognising the real problem in a Six Sigma project is not knowing the real root causes and knowing when to stop asking why.

Getting to the root

This article states that root cause analysis is about understanding what the problem is, containing and analysing the problem and defining and implementing an action plan that is going to remove the root cause. It argues that a final validation step is required to determine if the root cause has been totally eliminated or is still existing.

Getting to the Root of the Problem

This article discusses the importance of analysis in the DMAIC method (define, measure, analyse, improve and control) for developing hypotheses regarding the root causes of problems in organisations. It focuses on how to avoid problems reoccurring and the tendency of problem solving teams to identify an incorrect root cause.