Root Cause Analysis: Simplified Tools and Techniques

By Bjørn Andersen and Tom Fagerhaug

Book Overview

This updated and expanded edition discusses many different tools for root cause analysis and presents them in an easy-to-follow structure: a general description of the tool, its purpose and typical applications, the procedure when using it, an example of its use, a checklist to help you make sure if is applied properly, and different forms and templates. The examples used are general enough to apply to any industry or market. The layout of the book has been designed to help speed your learning. Throughout, the authors have split the pages into two halves: the top half presents key concepts using brief language-almost keywords-and the bottom half uses examples to help explain those concepts. A roadmap in the margin of every page simplifies navigating the book and searching for specific topics. The book is suited for employees and managers at any organizational level in any type of industry, including service, manufacturing, and the public sector. COMMENTS FROM OTHER CUSTOMERS Average Customer Rating: (4 of 5 based on 1 review) "This book is a good intro to Root Cause Analysis tools. It is easy to read and laid out in a good format, with a picture and/or sample provided for every tool discussed, along with a checklist for its usage. There is the occasional spot of confusing information, and some of the explanations seem over-simplified or under-explained. But this is not highly prevalent, and the book does accomplish giving the reader a great introduction to these tools and techniques. It may be insufficient for those who are looking for more advanced or in-depth information on any of the tools and techniques. Beginners should find this a very helpful book and one that will be referenced often as they start practicing Root Cause Analysis." A reader in Bradenton, Florida

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0873896920
• ISBN13: 9780873896924
• Release Date: June 2006
• Publisher: ASQ Quality Press
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 1.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

Problem Solving for everyone

If you are looking for a basic, easy to comprehend text on problem-solving in your business or job role, this is the one for you. It will first explain you, what exactly root cause analysis means and how is it different from fixing the problem. next it will take you to the various tools for root cause analysis. Author uses the following approach in categorizing the tools: Tools for Problem Understanding -> Tools for possible cause generation & consensus reaching -> tools for possible cause & data collection -> tools for possible cause analysis -> tools for Cause & Effect Analysis. <br /> <br />Each tool is explained as follows: <br />Purpose & Application, Steps needed in using the tools, an example, a checklist for using the tool correctly and finally a template. <br /> <br />Last two chapters are on Tool selection and a case study, which are both useful. If you an advanced professional in this field, I'd recommend "The Quality Toolbox". And if you are an ASQ, buy it from there at cheaper price. <br /> <br />Good luck with problem solving!

Practical Help For All Disciplines

The information provided in this book helped me determine the root cause of our safety problems. The primary root cause turned out to be managers and workers consciously deciding when they would obey the safety rules. Knowing this, Iam now looking for ways to change ingrained behavior and the safety culture of the organization. I just wish finding and implementing effective solutions for this problem were as easy as determining the root cause.

Focuses on core thinking processes

I used the first edition of this book several years ago to develop a course on root cause analysis. I'd looked at many other books on RCA, but none focused on the cognitive process fundamental to understanding cause & effect relationships. This book does this but in a simple way. The second edition includes significant enhancements.

Root Cause Analysis

I found this book most helpful in trying to learn quickly the techniques of solving cause and effect problems; to which I had no previous study or training other than common sense. It gave me specfic ways of gathering information and using it as a basis of making decisions that effect our daily operation and to be able to find ways of improving the quality of what we do.