Where Birds Don't Fly

Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic process used to identify the underlying causes of problems, failures, or incidents so that organizations can prevent recurrence and improve performance. At its core, RCA is not merely about identifying what went wrong but understanding why it went wrong. While there are numerous frameworks and methodologies for conducting RCA—ranging from the “Five Whys” to Ishikawa Fish-bone Diagram, the process generally unfolds through three fundamental steps: Collecting Data, Distributing Data, and Allocating Data. These steps form the structural backbone of any robust RCA, ensuring that conclusions are performance-data based, evidence based, collaboration, driven, and strategically actionable. Each step builds on the other, progressively transforming raw information into targeted insights and ultimately into effective interventions. The first step, collecting data, is the foundation of any root cause analysis. This phase involves gathering all relevant inf...