Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Concept and Applications: Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a methodology used to identify the fundamental causes of problems, aiming to prevent their recurrence rather than just addressing the symptoms. RCA helps improve processes, increase efficiency, and minimize losses across industrial, medical, and administrative fields. **Concept of RCA** Instead of dealing with problems superficially, RCA delves deeply into the factors that led to an issue, helping to find sustainable solutions. It relies on systematic questioning and data analysis to uncover the root cause. Steps of RCA: - Identify the Problem: Clearly describe the issue, including details and effects. - Collect Data: Analyze how and when the problem occurred and who was affected. - Determine Possible Causes: Examine processes and factors that may have led to the problem. - Analyze the Root Cause: Use techniques like 5 Whys and Fishbone Diagram to pinpoint the actual root cause. - Propose Solutions: Develop corrective actions to address the root cause. - Implement Solutions: Apply preventive measures and test their effectiveness. - Monitor & Evaluate: Review results to ensure the problem does not recur. Popular RCA Techniques: - 5 Whys: Asking "Why did this happen?" multiple times to reach the underlying cause. - Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa): Categorizes potential causes into groups such as equipment, people, processes, and environment. - Pareto Analysis: Identifies the most impactful factors using the 80/20 rule. - Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA): Evaluates failure scenarios and their consequences. - Fault Tree Analysis (FTA): Logical analysis of events leading to the problem. - Barrier Analysis: Examines the barriers that should have prevented the issue but failed. Applications of RCA: - Industry: Analyzing equipment failures and improving production quality. - Healthcare: Identifying causes of medical errors and implementing preventive actions. - IT: Enhancing system security and reducing recurring failures. - Management: Addressing performance issues and increasing operational efficiency. Practical Example: Factory Production Line Failure Problem: Low productivity in a manufacturing line. Data Collection: Increased rejection rate due to equipment malfunction. Potential Causes: - Outdated and poorly maintained equipment. - Lack of worker training on machine operation. - Poor routine maintenance procedures. Using Fishbone Diagram: - Root cause identified as the absence of an effective maintenance system. Solution: - Implement a scheduled maintenance system. - Provide continuous worker training. - Upgrade outdated machinery to ensure production quality. Expected Outcomes of RCA: - Reduced financial losses from recurring problems. - Enhanced product and service quality. - Improved operational efficiency and fewer failures. - Higher customer satisfaction and better user experience. a power.

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Analysis
maysra.aburahal@gmail.com
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Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Make sure that every problem has a solution.
DR.M.Abu Rahal
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4. Make sure that every problem has a solution.
However, the more precisely the root cause is
identified, the more effectively the optimal
solution can be determined.
This is crucial for saving effort, time, and
money, especially when making decisions that
fail to address the root cause of the problem.
We've all faced issues where significant effort,
time, and money were spent, yet the problem
persisted or kept recurring.
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INTRO

5. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a systematic
approach to identifying the underlying causes of
problems to prevent recurrence.
Here are some widely used RCA methods:
1.The 5 Whys – A simple technique where you
repeatedly ask "Why?" (typically, five times) to
drill down to the root cause of an issue.
(Lovely Video 5 Whys ????? )
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Most Common Methods for RCA

6. Example of one of the most effective methods for
identifying the root cause of a problem which is the 5
Whys technique.
By repeatedly asking "Why did this happen?"—typically
five times or more—you can drill down to the most
fundamental cause of the issue.
Example: Ozone Layer Depletion
Why? Air pollution
Why? Industrial development
Why? Lack of regulatory laws
Why? Non-compliant factories
Why? Absence of monitoring
Why? Governments not taking serious action
Solution:
Implementing binding international agreements to
regulate and mitigate environmental damage.
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7. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
2.Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa)
A visual tool that categorizes potential
causes into groups like (6M) for :
People, Process, Equipment,
Materials, Environment and Measurement.
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Most Common Methods for RCA

8. Example of A Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram) which is
a well-know tool used for Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to
identify potential causes of a problem especially in
industries.
Example: Poor Customer Satisfaction in a Restaurant
Problem: Customers are dissatisfied with the restaurant
experience.
Categories of Causes:
People: Untrained staff, poor customer service.
Process: Slow service, incorrect orders.
Equipment: Faulty kitchen appliances, outdated POS system.
Materials: Low-quality ingredients, inconsistent food supply.
Environment: Noisy atmosphere, uncomfortable seating.
Measurement: KPIs not implemented or not accurate.
Each category branches into specific causes, helping to
pinpoint the root issue.
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9. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
3.Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
A structured approach to identifying potential failure points
and their impact.
Example on FMEA in Car Manufacturing :
Process: Car braking system
Failure Mode: Brake failure
Potential Causes:
Worn-out brake pads
Hydraulic fluid leakage
Faulty brake sensors
Effects of Failure:
Reduced braking efficiency
Increased stopping distance
Potential accidents
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Most Common Methods for RCA

10. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
4.Pareto Analysis
Based on the 80/20 rule, this method helps
prioritize the most significant causes
contributing to a problem.
Example: Customer Complaints in a Call Center
A call center analyzed customer complaints and
found that 80% of complaints stemmed from
20% of common issues, such as long wait times
and billing errors.
By prioritizing solutions for these two problems,
they significantly improved customer
satisfaction.
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Most Common Methods for RCA

11. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
5.Barrier Analysis
Focuses on identifying failed barriers that allowed
the problem to occur.
Example: Workplace Safety Incident
Scenario: A worker suffers an injury while operating a machine.
Hazard: Moving machine parts.
Target: The worker.
Barriers (Preventive Measures):
Physical Barrier: Safety guard on the machine.
Procedural Barrier: Training on safe machine operation.
Administrative Barrier: Regular safety inspections.
Personal Barrier: Use of protective gloves.
Failure Analysis:
The safety guard was removed for maintenance but not
reinstalled.
The worker was not properly trained on the risks.
Safety inspections failed to identify missing guards.
Gloves provided inadequate protection. 06/04/2025 11
Most Common Methods for RCA
Real-World Example: Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
Barrier Analysis was used to study the Chernobyl accident,
where multiple safety barriers failed, including design flaws,
procedural errors, and lack of emergency response, leading to
a catastrophic nuclear meltdown.

12. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
6.Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)
A logical diagram as a top-down, deductive failure analysis method
used to identify the root causes of an undesired event.
Example: Power System Failure
Top Event: Power outage in a city
Intermediate Causes:
- Transmission line failure
- Substation malfunction
- Generator breakdown
Basic Causes:
- Transmission line failure → Due to extreme weather or physical
damage.
- Substation malfunction → Caused by equipment failure or
human error.
- Generator breakdown → Due to fuel supply issues or
overheating.
Each cause is connected using AND/OR gates,
showing how different failures contribute to the main event.
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Most Common Methods for RCA

13. Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
7.Affinity Diagram
Organizes large amounts of data into meaningful categories
to identify patterns. It helps teams brainstorm, analyze
complex data, and identify patterns.
Example: Improving Customer Service in a Call Center
Problem: Customers frequently complain about poor service.
Brainstorming Session: Gather feedback from customers and
employees.
Grouping Ideas into Categories:
Communication Issues: Long wait times, unclear responses.
Technical Problems: System crashes, slow software.
Employee Training: Lack of product knowledge, poor conflict
resolution.
Process Inefficiencies: Complicated procedures, delays in
issue resolution.
By visually organizing these issues, the team can prioritize
solutions and focus on the most impactful improvements.
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Most Common Methods for RCA

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