Root Cause Analysis: The Core of Problem Solving

This bestseller can help anyone whose role is to try to find specific causes for failures.

It provides detailed steps for solving problems, focusing more heavily on the analytical process involved in finding the actual causes of problems. It does this using figures, diagrams, and tools useful for helping to make our thinking visible. This increases our ability to see what is truly significant and to better identify errors in our thinking.

In the sections on finding root causes, this second edition now includes more examples on the use of multi-vari charts
how thought experiments can help guide data interpretation
how to enhance the value of the data collection process
cautions for analyzing data
and what to do if one can't find the causes. In its guidance on solution identification, biomimicry and TRIZ have been added as potential solution identification techniques. In addition, the appendices have been revised to include: an expanded breakdown of the 7 M's, which includes more than 50 specific possible causes
forms for tracking causes and solutions, which can help maintain alignment of actions
techniques for how to enhance the interview process
and example responses to problem situations that the reader can analyze for appropriateness.