RCA Problem Definition Flashcards

What is the most important first step in any Root Cause Analysis?

Answer: Clearly defining and scoping the problem

A clearly defined problem statement establishes the boundaries of the investigation and ensures the team focuses on the correct issue.

Which framework is commonly used to write an effective RCA problem statement?

Answer: Is/Is Not

The Is/Is Not framework defines a problem by specifying what the issue is and explicitly stating what it is not, to narrow the focus of the investigation.

In RCA, what does a 'problem statement' that is too broad typically cause?

Answer: Wasted resources investigating unrelated causes

A vague or overly broad problem statement leads teams to chase causes outside the true scope, wasting time and resources.

What does it mean to 'define the problem in terms of effects' during RCA?

Answer: Describing the observable symptoms or impacts without pre-assuming the cause

Describing effects rather than assumed causes keeps the team objective and prevents premature conclusions about what caused the problem.

Which of the following is a characteristic of a well-written RCA problem statement?

Answer: It is specific, measurable, and focuses on what went wrong

A good problem statement is specific and measurable, describing what happened, where, when, and to what extent, without guessing at causes.

Why is it important to include a time and location component in an RCA problem statement?

Answer: To help bound the investigation and distinguish the problem from similar events

Specifying when and where a problem occurred helps narrow the scope of investigation and differentiate this incident from similar but unrelated events.