FAQS

A root cause analysis is a tool you can use to develop the highest-level or "root" cause of a problem. Once you know the root cause, you can develop an approach to address the problem, and addressing the root cause is generally more effective in the long term than addressing the symptoms of a problem. For example, here is a very basic root cause analysis: 

In this example, the problem is a dead houseplant. I could address the symptom of an unwatered plant by purchasing a new plant to replace the dead one, and then the cycle would repeat itself in a few months. But if I address the root cause--that I have trouble remembering to water my plants--and take steps to address it, that should resolve the issue.

Again, this is a very basic example, so here are some important things to consider when writing a root cause analysis:

• Remember to look for root causes, not just symptoms. Keep asking "why?" until you reach the heart of the problem. 
• However, symptoms should also be addressed for short-term relief (I'm not going to have another plant to water if I don't buy a new one.)
• Look for concrete evidence of cause and effect to back up your claims about the root causes. 
• There is almost always more than one root cause, so dig deep.
• Once you know the root causes, determine how to take steps to correct the problem.
• Determine how this root cause can be prevented in the future. 

If you have any questions about how to format this in your assignment, reach out to your instructor for clarification on his or her expectations.

References

Tableau Software. (n.d.). Root cause analysis, explained with examples and methods. Retrieved from https://www.tableau.com/learn/articles/root-cause-analysis

Washington State Department of Enterprise Services. (n.d.). Root cause analysis. Retrieved from https://des.wa.gov/services/risk-management/about-risk-management/enterprise-risk-management/root-cause-analysis