Which method is commonly used to carry out root cause analysis?

The Fishbone Diagram, also known as the Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram, is a widely recognized tool for conducting root cause analysis. It provides a structured way to identify and categorize potential causes of problems, facilitating teams to visualize the relationship between various factors contributing to an issue. By breaking down the causes into broader categories (such as people, processes, equipment, materials, environment, and measurement), the Fishbone Diagram helps teams systematically explore and pinpoint the underlying reasons for problems, rather than just addressing symptoms.

Using this method encourages thorough investigation and collaboration among team members, as it allows them to contribute their insights and expertise. This collective approach is instrumental in uncovering hidden problems that may not be immediately apparent, ensuring that a more comprehensive understanding of the issue is achieved. Consequently, the Fishbone Diagram is a favored choice in root cause analysis scenarios, particularly in quality control and process improvement initiatives.

Other methods like SWOT Analysis, PEST Analysis, and Benchmarking serve different purposes, such as evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; analyzing the macro-environmental factors affecting an organization; and comparing performance metrics with industry standards, respectively. While these techniques are valuable in their contexts, they do not specifically focus on uncovering the underlying causes