Root Cause Analysis – Simplified Tools and Techniques
By Bjørn Andersen, Tom Fagerhaug
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
ASQ Quality Press, 2000 155 pp, $32.00

Review by Norman C. Peplow

In today’s competitive environment, Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a key ingredient of the continuous improvement process. Training individuals and teams in RCA methodology can be challenging due to the diverse backgrounds of individuals and team members. An aid in meeting this challenge is the book Root Cause Analysis – Simplified Tools and Techniques, by Bjørn Andersen and Tom Fagerhaug. In this book, the authors address the topic in a thorough, easy to understand and interesting manner. They are well suited to this task with backgrounds in industry, research, education and process improvement.

As the title suggests, Root Cause Analysis – Simplified Tools and Techniques, is a user-friendly book and approaches the subject in a logical and organized format, in terms of content and presentation. The first part of the book provides an overview of practical problem solving, how to define a problem and different causal levels. This is followed by a discussion of RCA that provides insight to its meaning. Subsequent chapters are the heart of the book. They identify and provide guidance on a large array of tools for RCA. For each tool, the authors describe what it is and how to use it. Separate chapters address Cause Generation, Data Collection, Cause Analysis, and Cause-and-Effect Analysis. Many useful tools are identified within each chapter, with illustrations, examples and templates for use. The book finishes with how to select the right tool and a case study.

Of special interest is the layout of each topic. Care was taken to make the book easy to read, to show the relationship between topics, and to provide cohesiveness within a topic. Each section focuses on a specific topic and provides context of where it relates to the whole problem solving process. Topics are presented in easy to read bold headings, followed by brief and understandable descriptions. Meaningful examples are provided to illustrate the application in real life business settings. The edge of each page has an index to show what stage in the RCA process is being presented in relation to the whole process.

As an example, the sections on the 5-Whys analysis identifies this as the cause-effect step in RCA. This is broken down into:

1. the purpose and application
2. the steps in using five why
3. examples
4. a checklist for use
5. a Five Whys template

Examples illustrate each step. The material is presented in a visual and eye appealing way that is easy to understand and follow.

Conclusion

The cover quotes John D. Hromi, Professor Emeritus and Former ASQ President as stating “This book should be required reading for individuals and/or teams striving for continuous process quality improvement . . .” The book is easy to read, with many examples and an interesting and easy to follow print format. It is an excellent guide and reference for both individuals and teams.

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