Analytical Techniques (RCA Tools)

“Five Whys” Approach

The “five whys” approach. By using this approach, root cause contributors can be identified along with the antecedent events, and potential mitigation or prevention strategies can be suggested on the basis of the answers.

Once the initiating problem is specified, a consecutive series of “why” questions are asked, with each answer becoming the subject of the next question.

Note that with each response, not only does a deeper investigational dive occur, but opportunities for implementing mitigation strategies are highlighted.

Ishikawa Fishbone Diagrams

A fishbone diagram, which is essentially a cause and effect diagram provides for a graphic representation which categorises the potential causes related to a problem in order to identify the root causes.