The document discusses root cause analysis (RCA), which aims to identify the underlying causes of problems. It defines RCA and lists its key principles, including that addressing root causes is more effective than just treating symptoms. A general 7-step process for performing RCA is outlined. Cause mapping is introduced as a visual way to analyze all elements that contributed to an issue. Common tools for RCA include 5 whys, fishbone diagrams, Pareto charts, and graphs. Best practices like thoroughly collecting information and understanding what happened are recommended for effective RCA.