• Scenario #2
• Scenario #2, Bad Example
• Scenario #2, Good Example

 

Scenario #2, Bad Example

Finding: I've gained 15 lbs in a relatively short period of time.

Short-term containment: Ask spouse to stop serving dessert at dinner.

Root Cause: Methodology: 5-Why
Restate the finding: I've gained 15 lbs. in a relatively short period of time.

1st Why: Why have I gained 15 lbs.?
I'm eating too many sweets.

2nd Why: Why I am eating too many sweets?
I'm eating the dessert my spouse is preparing with dinner each night.

3rd Why: Why am I eating dessert with dinner each night?
I have no willpower.

Root Cause: I have no willpower.

Corrective Action: Buy new suit in larger size. Buy "Fat-Free" chips; eat one less donut per day. Stop biggie sizing Burger Giant meals.

Reflection: Why is this a poor example of root cause analysis?
The example illustrates poor root cause analysis by highlighting common mistakes that prevent clients from identifying the true root cause and determining the proper systemic corrective action. The root cause listed above is actually a symptom of the problem; it does not address the true problem in the system. Also, the corrective action provided is an act of containment, not irreversible systemic corrective action. In this example, the finding and the root cause are identical, which provides no to value to the system.