Joost d’Hooghe – I’ve had great experience with the 5 WHYS methodology to identify root causes. It basically means that you continue the ” Why” question 5 times to identify the real root cause. If you can not go deeper than 4 x than probably you have already identified the root cause.Example Wikipedia:
The vehicle will not start. (the problem)
- Why? – The battery is dead. (First why)
- Why? – The alternator is not functioning. (Second why)
- Why? – The alternator belt has broken. (Third why)
- Why? – The alternator belt was well beyond its useful service life and not replaced. (Fourth why)
- Why? – The vehicle was not maintained according to the recommended service schedule. (Fifth why, a root cause)