RCA Tools and Techniques Flashcards

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

Answer: Prioritizing process inputs based on their impact on outputs

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

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

Answer: Different analysts may reach different root causes for the same problem

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

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

Answer: Process Flow Diagram

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

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

Answer: Why safety controls or defenses failed to prevent an incident

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

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

Answer: How often a failure mode is likely to occur

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

Which RCA technique is particularly useful when causes are interrelated and cannot be explained by a single linear chain?

Answer: Causal Loop Diagram

Causal Loop Diagrams model complex systems where causes and effects form feedback loops, making them ideal for interrelated systemic problems.