Root Cause Analysis

Using Creative Problem Solving

This summary provides an overview of the root cause analysis process, benefits, three case examples, a biographical sketch of the trainer, and a training syllabus. How to select a root cause analysis provider.

Overview

The common approach when problems occur is to find the most obvious symptom and attack it as quickly as possible. Unfortunately this knee-jerk response often results in more problems than it solves. Systematic approaches are more effective.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a process designed to facilitate the investigation of the fundamental or root causes for undesired outcomes (e.g. problems, accidents, mistakes, errors) with a follow through to corrective action. Root Cause Analysis using the Creative Problem Solving process (RCA-CPS) is a powerful, flexible, and effective means of understanding any situation clearly, generating options and solutions, and converting those options into practice.

RCA-CPS is particularly effective where the actual cause of a problem may not be immediately obvious. RCA-CPS helps practitioners avoid the complications of fixing the wrong problem, complicating a situation with an ineffective approach, or wasting time, money, good will, personal energy, and other vital resources.

Benefits & Characteristics of RCA-CPS

RCA-CPS is a systematic approach to problems with the following benefits and characteristics:

	Is very effective
	Has the flexibility to address any problem in a results oriented manner
	Begins with Understanding the Situation – finds the real problems and sets priorities
	Continues with Creating Options – identify and evaluate options for solutions
	Concludes with Implementation – action plans for solutions
	Provides structure and guidelines that ensure a positive approach and outcome even in high stress situations
	Builds consensus and teamwork in practice
	Helps establish priorities
	Is a great communication tool for management as well as the team
	Offers you new and very effective decision making tools
	Can be used proactively to prevent problems
	Reduces costs and improves profits

Process Outline

The process consists of three major building blocks and six stages as outlined here. This organized approach makes sure that the problem is well understood and root causes are identified and clarified before solution options are created and evaluated. The final step is to create an implementation plan.

Building Blocks	Stages	Purpose
Understanding the Situation	1. Mess Finding 2. Data Finding 3. Clarifying the Problem	Ensure that the root causes are identified for the problems of the greatest impact and highest priority.
Creating Options	4. Create Options 5. Evaluate & Refine Options	Investigate and find the best possible solutions and approaches to address the problems.
Implementation	6. Implement	Provide action plans to implement solutions.

Process Tools

The following table lists some of the tools and their applications in the process.

Tools & Methods by type and name	Understanding the Situation	Idea Generation	Implementation
*Divergent tools & methods* To Understand the Situation and Generate Options
Invitational stems	X	X	X
Brainstorming	X	X	X
Brainstorming with Post-It � notes	X	X	X
Brainwriting	X	X	X
Forced Relationships		X
Idea checklists (i.e. SCAMPER)		X
5 W's and an H	X	X	X
Event and/or Process Flow Charting	X

Tools & Methods by type and name	Understanding the Situation	Idea Generation	Implementation
*Convergent tools & methods* To Understand the Situation and Refine Options
Invitational stems	X	X	X
Isolating Hits & Highlighting	X	X	X
Success grid		X
Sorting (i.e. musts and wants)		X
Evaluation Matrix		X
Plusses, Potentials, and Concerns – Overcoming Concerns (PPCo)		X
Sequencing sort - Short, Medium, Long-term (SML)		X	X
Implementation Checklist			X

Practitioners are taught to utilize the appropriate tools in such a way as to maximize effectiveness in an expeditious and efficient manner.

Here are three case examples of highly successful application in very complex situations. Simple problems can be addressed even more quickly with this process.

See A Typical Training Syllabus

Summary

The RCA-CPS process is easy to apply and has been proven to provide positive results. Training is adjusted to meet the specific needs of each client. Benefits accrue immediately when real-life problems are processed during training. Call 716-580-4564 or use the information request form link below today to learn how you can have customized on-site training to empower your team.

Training is all done on-site at your location. Fees start at only $3,000 per training day for a two-day minimum session with a class size of up to 30 people.

Please note that we are currently focusing all of our root cause analysis training on COST REDUCTION & PROFIT IMPROVEMENT.

If you are looking for root cause analysis in areas outside of cost reduction and profit improvement, please check this resource for a discussion on how to select a root cause analysis program and provider.

INFORMATION REQUEST AND CONTACT FORM

visit www.profitpro.us our new website dedicated to cost reduction and profit improvement.