Refresher

In my March 2021 article, I began a discussion of root cause analysis (RCA). In that article I reviewed the importance of defining the problem clearly, precisely, and accurately; and using brainstorming tools to identify cause and effect networks or paths. Starting with my April 2021 article I used a case study to illustrate the basic RCA process steps. That post focused on defining current knowledge and defining knowledge gaps. Last month, I covered the next two steps: closing…

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld statement from 12 February 2002, Department of Defense news briefing.

RCA Universal Concepts

Before discussing RCA’s fifth and sixth steps I’ll again share the figure I include with my April article. Successful RCA includes eight primary elements. Figure 1 illustrates the primary RCA process steps, with Steps 5 & 6 highlighted.

Fig 1. Common elements shared by effective RCA processes.

Steps 1 through 4 Refresher:…

Today’s ASM News Digest reported that on 04 April, Thomas D. (Tom) Brock passed away at the age of 94 (Microbiologist Thomas Brock Dies at 94 | The Scientist Magazine® (the-scientist.com). This week there was also a column about him in the New York Times (Thomas Brock, Whose Discovery Paved the Way for PCR Tests, Dies at 94 – The New York Times (nytimes.com)).  Here I’ll share my personal story.

Although Tom spent most of his career as a professor at the University of…

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld statement from 12 February 2002, Department of Defense news briefing.

RCA Universal Concepts

Before discussing RCA’s third and fourth steps I’ll again share the figure I include with my March article. Successful RCA includes eight primary elements. Figure 1 illustrates the primary RCA process steps.

Fig 1. Common elements shared by effective RCA processes.
Steps 1 & 2 Refresher. Define the Problem and…

Cause: Stabbing balloon with nail. Effect: A popped balloon.
What is root cause analysis?

Root cause analysis (RCA) is the term used to describe any of various systematic processes used to understand why something is occurring or has occurred. In this post and several that follow, I’ll focus on an approach that I have found to be useful over the years. Regardless of the specific tools used effective RCA includes both subjective and objective elements. The term root cause is often…