RCA RCA Tools and Techniques 3

Question 1

What is a 'cause-and-effect matrix' used for in RCA?

Accepted Answer

Prioritizing process inputs based on their impact on outputs

Answer

A cause-and-effect matrix links process inputs (potential causes) to key outputs and weights them by importance to focus RCA efforts.

Question 2

In the context of RCA, what is the primary limitation of the 5 Whys technique?

Accepted Answer

Different analysts may reach different root causes for the same problem

Answer

The 5 Whys can lead different investigators to different conclusions because it relies on the analyst's judgment and knowledge at each step.

Question 3

Which type of diagram maps the sequence of events and decisions in a process to identify where failures occur?

Accepted Answer

Process Flow Diagram

Answer

A Process Flow Diagram visually maps each step and decision point in a process, making it easier to identify where breakdowns or inefficiencies occur.

Question 4

In RCA, what is a 'barrier analysis' primarily used to investigate?

Accepted Answer

Why safety controls or defenses failed to prevent an incident

Answer

Barrier analysis identifies which protective barriers (controls, safeguards) were supposed to prevent an incident and why they failed to do so.

Question 5

What does 'Occurrence' measure in the FMEA RPN formula?

Accepted Answer

How often a failure mode is likely to occur

Answer

In FMEA, Occurrence rates the frequency or probability that a specific failure mode will happen within a given time or number of cycles.

RCA - Root Cause Analysis Practice Test

RCA - Root Cause Analysis Practice Test

RCA RCA Tools and Techniques 3