At MKA Insights, we are lauded for our strength in risk mitigation. As part of our signature bespoke process, we deploy multiple frameworks, including root cause analysis, for each client case because there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
We anticipate risks that may happen in the launch process. It’s also crucial to be able to assess issues that happen after the fact. When firms call on us to help untangle an unforeseen problem in their process, we frequently conduct root cause analysis.
Root cause analysis breaks down the steps that led to some kind of organizational breakage. It then addresses ways to fix the problem so that it doesn’t occur again.
Root cause analysis (“RCA”) begins by objectively working backwards, from symptom to the source issue. In many ways, it’s analogous to practicing medicine, in that we can identify a visible problem (high employee attrition, for example), but have to rewind the production process to track how it came about (unreasonable deadlines, which were in turn caused by raw material shipping delays).
Like a doctor treating a patient, RCA’s goal is not just to fix the symptoms of a problem, but to diagnose the fundamental causes, and therefore, effective solutions, which can prevent recurrence.
There are multiple steps to the root cause analysis method. It starts with data collection, which can include gathering documents, logs, process maps, and interviewing stakeholders. The team analyzes the data to trace the sequence of events leading to the problem.
Next, we aim to identify the actual root cause of the problem. This involves looking beyond the immediate causes and understanding the deeper issues that led to the problem. Root cause analysis techniques such as the “5 Whys” (asking “why” multiple times to uncover the underlying causes) or Fishbone Diagrams (which visually depict causes and sub-causes) are frequently employed during this stage.
Once we identify the root causes, we develop solutions. Firms may have to modify processes, systems, or behaviors to prevent the problem from recurring. The team implements the proposed solutions and monitors their effectiveness over time to ensure that the problem does not recur.
Lastly, documentation and knowledge sharing is key. The team documents the findings and lessons learned from the RCA and shares them within the organization to enhance practices and prevent similar issues in the future.
What is Root Cause Analysis?
