Guide to Root Cause Analysis in PMI-ACP Retrospectives
Root Cause Analysis is a method used within PMI-ACP Retrospectives to identify the fundamental reason or source that has led to a given issue or setback. It is aimed at resolving problems at their core, rather than treating their symptoms.
Why is it Important?
The importance of Root Cause Analysis lies in its ability to pinpoint the core issue that needs to be addressed. This allows the team to make targeted changes that could prevent the problem from recurring. Without understanding the root cause, teams may find themselves dealing with the same issues repeatedly.
How Does it Work?
There are several methods to conduct Root Cause Analysis, one of which includes the '5 Whys' technique. This involves asking 'why' five times to drill down to the root of the problem. Another method is the Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa diagram), which helps visualise the root causes of a problem and their sub-causes.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Root Cause Analysis
1. Understand the methods: Be familiar with the different methods of Root Cause Analysis such as the '5 Whys' and Fishbone Diagram.
2. Identifying the root cause: Questions may ask you to identify the root cause from a given situation, so it is crucial to understand how to trace back to the fundamental issue.
3. Application of the methods: You might also get questions about how to apply these methods in specific scenarios.