Final answer:
The core of RCA is identifying what caused the event by thoroughly analyzing the situation, considering the sequence of events, and distinguishing between causes and effects. Information gathering and expert advice are central to conducting a successful RCA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heart of the RCA (Root Cause Analysis) process is identifying what caused the event. This involves a detailed examination of the events leading up to the undesired outcome, but the central objective is to discern the root causes rather than just the symptoms. By pinpointing the true origins of an issue, effective and lasting solutions can be developed. RCA is a systematic approach that requires careful consideration of the timeline of events to understand what happens first, what happens next, and distinguishing cause from effect.
When conducting an RCA, it is essential to gather information from all relevant stakeholders. This could include customers, patients, and other parties involved. Additionally, finding expert information through books or other sources can be crucial in understanding the complex factors at play. Creating diagrams such as a fishbone diagram can be a useful tool for visualizing these relationships, but it is only part of the overall methodology.