Scenario #2, Good Example

Finding: I've gained 15 lbs. in a relatively short period of time.

Short-term containment: Buy a suit in a larger size. Start Cabbage Soup Diet.

Root Cause Analysis: Methodology: 5-Why
Restate the finding: I've gained 15 lbs. in a relatively short period of time.

1st Why: Why (have I gained 15 lbs.)?
I started eating 3 donuts everyday at work in the morning, ordering in lunch everyday from the new Burger Giant delivery service ("Biggie Sized") eating a large bag of chips in the afternoon and enjoying 2 helpings at dinner and dessert!

2nd Why: Why am I overeating?
I am experiencing stress at work and have little time to prepare a healthy meal. I also feel less stressed out when I eat comfort foods.

3rd Why: Why am I experiencing stress at work?
I am overwhelmed with deadlines and have recently taken on additional responsibility since my assistant quit. I am so overwhelmed during the day that I am mindlessly eating extra helpings and selecting fast and fattening foods instead of healthier foods.

Root Cause: Stress and increased responsibilities at work.

Corrective Action: Hire a new assistant to take on overwhelming responsibilities and free up lunch hour so that you can head to the gym for 30 minutes everyday instead of ordering Burger Giant! This will allow for stress-relieving relaxation during the workday and curb cravings for comfort food.

Reflection: Why is this a good example of root cause analysis?
The example illustrates good root cause analysis that allows clients to identify the true root cause and determine the proper systemic corrective action. The root cause listed above addresses the true problem in the system. Also, the corrective action provided is not simply an act of containment; instead it provides irreversible systemic corrective action. In this example, the client used the "5 Why Methodology" which is a helpful tool when analyzing your root cause.