25 Need-To-Know Management Models

Chapter 14

Root cause analysis/Pareto analysis

• Why use it? Root cause analysis (RCA) is a class of problem-solving methods aimed at identifying the root causes of problems or events. RCA is used to explain the variation in any process (or outcome of a process). A certain amount of variability is normal and does not necessarily cause significant disturbance. However, unwanted variation can cause serious losses or damage, delays and reduced productivity, especially if it occurs in critical processes.
• What does it do? Root cause analysis shows the causes of variations in a particular process. It helps to identify and cluster the causes of a certain problem or event and can help to further optimise the process.
• When to use it? The analysis is generally ...