Root Cause Analysis Series- Step 1: Problem Definition

Root cause analysis (RCA) consists of a group of problem-solving methods aiming to uncover the core causes of an identified problem. Once root causes are determined, teams then select appropriate, well-matched solutions based on a number of factors. Conducting a root cause analysis is ideally a collaborative effort among teams, where a variety of tools and strategies are used to facilitate the process of uncovering the root of the identified problem or challenge to be addressed.

This worksheet, the first in the four part series, will help you develop and refine your problem statement (the starting point of your root cause analysis). The steps in this toolkit are:

Step 1: Problem Definition

Step 2: Problem Exploration

Step 3: Implementing Solutions

Step 4: Testing Chosen Strategies

It is important to be investigative and name the problem in a data-driven way. How the problem is framed will directly impact the root cause (the core issue) and causal factors (those contributing to the core issue) that are identified, and ultimately the appropriateness of proposed solutions.