This document discusses root cause analysis and methods for identifying the underlying causes of problems. It covers:
- Defining root cause analysis as a structured approach to identify and address causes in order to prevent recurrence and learn lessons.
- Techniques like brainstorming, Pareto charts, cause-and-effect diagrams, and the 5 whys method for drilling down through layers of causes to uncover root causes.
- An example of applying the 5 whys technique to analyze the sinking of the Titanic by repeatedly asking "why" and tracing the chain of events back to their fundamental causes.