Flip the Switch

Description: Have you found the root cause yet? We frequently ask or hear others ask that question. Root cause analysis is a familiar subject. You might assume that quality professionals would have a clear understanding of the technique. But many don't.…


Keywords: Cause and effect analysis,Root cause analysis (RCA),Leverage,Pareto charts,Influence

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The article "Under Scrutiny" (http://ow.ly/1BqTT) was written in Quality Progress as a response to Gary's article. Read it and see what you think.
--Mark Paradies, 04-21-2010

This is an excellent example of root cause analysis.
If you have any more like this, could you please email them to me so that I may share them with my classes?

Thank you.

Kenneth Lewis
--Kenneth Lewis, 02-02-2009

Very Good Article and gave a clear picture on when to stop drilling for causes and start Action.
--Ramesh Ganti, 11-03-2008

Excellent article, simple but powerful concept
--Michael Hainke, 10-15-2008

A good approach to a thorny topic. Teaching root cause analysis versus "understanding what the ultimate goal is" is a constant struggle with clients; I teach root cause as part of internal audit training ... since an auditor is usually the first person to view an situation as an issue. I also support the concept of "once the audit is finished, the auditor can be used as part of the solution". He/she just can't be part of the verification of effectiveness of the resulting corrective action.
--Mark Revett, 10-14-2008

This excellent article addresses the dilemma of knowing when to stop analyzing causes using three simple principles. It should be required reading for all students of root cause analysis.
--Carol Loulis, 10-10-2008

Excellent perspective on root cause or cause(s) analysis. This is an easy idea but tough to implement to the optimum depth or ROI. Very good article.
--Tom Turnbull, 10-09-2008
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