Root Cause Analysis Quiz

What is the primary purpose of Root Cause Analysis (RCA)?

• To identify the immediate symptoms of a problem

• To find a temporary solution to a problem

• To uncover the underlying cause of a problem

• To increase the complexity of problem-solving

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is to uncover the underlying cause of a problem, rather than just addressing symptoms or finding temporary solutions.

Which of the following is NOT a step in the RCA process?

• Problem Identification

• Data Collection

• Random Testing

• Solution Development

Answer explanation

Random Testing is not a step in the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) process. RCA typically involves Problem Identification, Data Collection, and Solution Development to systematically address issues.

What is the first step in the RCA process?

• Data Collection

• Problem Identification

• Solution Development

• Cause Analysis

Answer explanation

The first step in the RCA process is Problem Identification. This step involves clearly defining the issue that needs to be addressed before moving on to data collection and analysis.

In RCA, what does the “5 Whys” technique involve?

• Asking “Why” five times to identify symptoms

• Asking “Why” five times to find the root cause

• Asking “Why” five times to solve the problem

• Asking “Why” five times to create solutions

Answer explanation

The "5 Whys" technique involves asking "Why" five times to drill down to the root cause of a problem, rather than just addressing symptoms or creating solutions.

Which of the following can be useful data sources for RCA?

• Logs and reports

• Social media profiles

• Public surveys

• Personal opinions

Answer explanation

Logs and reports provide factual data and insights into past events, making them essential for Root Cause Analysis (RCA). Other options like personal opinions and social media profiles lack the reliability needed for effective RCA.

A fishbone diagram is also known as a(n):

• Ishikawa diagram

• Pareto chart

• Flowchart

• Gantt chart

Answer explanation

A fishbone diagram is also known as an Ishikawa diagram, named after Kaoru Ishikawa, who developed it for quality control. It visually represents the causes of a problem, making it easier to identify root causes.

Which category does NOT typically appear in a fishbone diagram?

• People

• Machines

• Materials

• Happiness

Answer explanation

In a fishbone diagram, categories like People, Machines, and Materials are commonly used to identify causes of problems. 'Happiness' does not fit as it is not a typical cause category in this analytical tool.

When identifying the impact of a problem, what should you focus on?

• The people directly involved

• The overall cost of the solution

• Who or what is affected by the problem

• The tools needed to solve the problem

Answer explanation

Focusing on who or what is affected by the problem helps identify the scope and significance of the issue. Understanding the impact on stakeholders is crucial for effective problem-solving.

Which of the following is an example of a root cause?

• A server crashed due to a power outage

• Users experienced slow loading times

• Traffic increased by 30% unexpectedly

• The server hardware failed due to lack of maintenance

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'The server hardware failed due to lack of maintenance', identifies a fundamental issue that led to the server crash, making it a root cause, unlike the other options which describe symptoms or effects.

The RCA step that involves developing and evaluating potential fixes is called:

• Problem Identification

• Cause Analysis

• Solution Development

• Data Collection

Answer explanation

The RCA step that focuses on creating and assessing potential solutions to identified problems is known as Solution Development. This step is crucial for implementing effective fixes.