Abstract

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.]A framework is provided for analyzing the performance of three root cause analysis tools: the cause-and-effect diagram, the interrelationship diagram, and the current reality tree. The literature discusses the ability of these tools to find root causes with varying degrees of accuracy, but it does not address selection of the appropriate tool based on objective performance criteria. While each tool has advantages and disadvantages, the framework provides knowledge of root cause analysis performance characteristics so that decision-makers can better understand the underlying assumptions of a recommended solution.