Conducting a Root cause analysis

Root cause analysis is a problem-solving strategy that identifies where a problem, issue, or error originates. Instead of fixing the symptom, it gives a way to isolate the cause of a problem.

The Root Cause Analysis Process (RCA) has 5 important steps

 Assign resources 

 First, examine the situation and discover the root cause. Then, introduce solutions to deal with the problem and be sure that they have worked.

By assigning the right individuals to conduct the RCA you ensure that they have all of the relevant experience and skills to handle these situations successfully.

 Identify the problem

The first step is to identify the issue and the impact. What precisely occurred, where, when, and who is included? Identify the root cause of a problem.

Document the network configuration as well as any changes that have been made to the system since the problem began. This is important because all information will need to be closely analyzed.

Analyze the problem to isolate the root cause

Using the data that was previously collected, identify the cause of the problem. The purpose is to pinpoint the exact cause. This means following the problem as far back as you can to the initial trigger.

There are various well-known RCA tools like Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), a fishbone diagram, a Pareto chart, a scatter diagram, or other tools that can be used to isolate the cause of a problem. A useful technique for identifying the root cause is through identifying the people who are most likely to be affected by a given problem.

Implement the corrective action

It is necessary to have corrective action plans in place for any corrective action that is to be made. The first step is to understand what went incorrect. Was it a technical problem? Was it an operational problem? A management problem? Or maybe it was some combination of the above?

If so, the next step will be to get to the root cause of the problem (in this case, a failed audit). If there was a issue with the way the process was working, then make sure that your next step is set up so that it effectively eliminates the risk of this happening again.

Verify Results

After implementation, estimate the results to verify that the root cause of the problem has been fixed. Note down the solutions for future use, and include reliable answers to these questions : 

• What steps were taken to obtain the final results? 
• What additional steps were taken as a result of the final results? Were any changes necessary to the system to obtain the final results?
• If not, what were these changes? Explain how these changes affected the contract

Understanding about the 5P Method 

The 5 Ps of Method were created by Henry Mintzberg in 1987. Each of the 5 Ps has a significant meaning, this part will give you detailed information about what is the 5p approach, as each method has a distinctive approach.

Plan 

Planning entails a strategy and decisions to be made according to that strategy as well as your situation and needs. A coherent plan can help you achieve your goals almost without fail in project management issue management tools

Ploy

Ploy helps gain an advantage over your rivals in nearly any market. Without a doubt, strategy is the most important part of a Ploy. It means outsmarting the competition. 

For instance, a project issue can be solved by a sudden strategy plan which no one can think about. 

Pattern

Patterns can help you not only deploy your desired strategy more efficiently but also see more clearly what the alternative is. If you identify the optimal strategy but can’t quite decide the value of an alternative, then patterns can help.

Position

The position develops its internal position data as fundamental information enabling it to evaluate solutions, take positions on competitive factors, plan activities and interact with subcontractors which essentially helps in project management

Perspective

The most important aspect of gaining a strategic perspective is to be aware of how your organization's culture influences your strategic thinking while solving project issues.

Understanding Ishikawa Diagram

Furthermore, the Ishikawa diagram definition is, “a diagram used within the field of operations management which shows a cause-and-effect diagram that helps to trace the causes for failures, mistakes, differences, or imperfections.”

The Ishikawa Diagram (also called fishbone diagram) is named after Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa, a Japanese quality control expert, who invented it. It helps in managing issues of a project.

The fishbone diagram is a descriptive representation of a process, situation, or product. 

Ishikawa/Fishbone diagrams are considered one of seven basic quality tools to problem-solving, which also includes Six Sigma’s DMAIC (define, measure, analyse, improve, and control) that are used to analyse the phases in project management tools management issues. 

The diagram resembles a fish’s skeleton with the obstacle at its head and the causes for the difficulty sustaining into the spine. Once all the causes that hold the problem have been recognized, managers can begin finding and applying solutions to assure that the cause doesn’t become a recurring one.

The Ishikawa diagram is a visualization tool for understanding the exact causes of a problem. This tool is used to identify a problem’s root causes. It combines the practice of brainstorming with a type of mind map template. It should be reliable as a test case technique to determine cause & effect.