Root Cause Analysis : The Core of Problem Solving and Corrective Action, 2nd Edition

This best-seller 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.
 

List of Figures and Tables
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the First Edition

Chapter 1 : Getting Better Root Cause Analysis
Chapter 2 : Multiple Causes and Types of Action
Chapter 3 : Step 1 : Define the Problem
Chapter 4 : Step 2 : Understand the Process
Chapter 5 : Step 3 : Identify Possible Causes
Chapter 6 : Step 4 : Collect the Data
Chapter 7 : Step 5 : Analyze the Data
Chapter 8 : Identify and Select Solutions
Chapter 9 : Implement, Evaluate, and Institutionalize
Chapter 10 : Organizational Issues
Chapter 11 : Human Error and Incident Analysis
Chapter 12 : Improving Corrective Action

Appendix A : Example Projects
Appendix B : Root Cause Analysis Process Guides
Appendix C : Enhancing the Interview
Appendix D : Analyzing Problem Responses
Appendix E : Addtional Resources
References
Index