Root Cause Analysis Made Easy: A Guide for Investigating Errors and Improving Processes

By Cheryl McMahan

Cheryl McMahan wrote this book because she believes other root cause publications are difficult to follow and contain too much information. She has simplified the process, provided specific directions for when and how to use the tools, and expanded applicability of the techniques for understanding work processes and solving everyday problems. You will learn how to use Root Cause Analysis for human errors and process failures without the need for training.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl McMahan
• Release date: Sep 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465914002

Cheryl McMahan

Cheryl McMahan has 30 years of experience in the electric utility industry as an engineer, auditor, manager, and board member. She holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctorate of Business Administration with a concentration in strategic management. As a doctoral dissertation committee chair and committee member, she coaches learners conducting research and completing dissertations. She has also developed and taught graduate courses in project management, leadership, operations management, and strategic management.

Book preview

Root Cause Analysis Made Easy

A Guide for Investigating Errors and Improving Processes

By Cheryl McMahan, DBA

Copyright 2011 Cheryl McMahan

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Ebook Short Description

This book contains all you need to know about Root Cause Analysis. It includes guidance for investigating and understanding process failures and human errors. You will learn techniques for collecting information, conducting interviews, organizing data, evaluating failures, determining root causes, and selecting corrective actions.

Cheryl McMahan wrote this book because she believes other root cause publications are difficult to follow and contain too much information. She has simplified the process, provided specific directions for when and how to use the tools, and expanded applicability of the techniques for understanding work processes and solving everyday problems. You will learn how to use Root Cause Analysis for human errors and process failures without the need for training.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Investigating a Failure

Checking Quality of Your Information

Collecting and Evaluating Physical Evidence and Documents

Conducting Interviews

Tools to Organize Data and Evaluate Problems

Event and Causal Factors Analysis

Task Analysis

Barrier Analysis

Change Analysis

Selecting Corrective Actions

Identifying Similar Conditions

Monitoring and Communicating Performance

Summary

References

About the Author

Introduction

Imagine you are