Explore our '5 Why Analysis Template', an efficient system for problem-solving through in-depth root cause analysis, verification, and corrective actions.
1
Identify the problem to be analyzed
2
Define the problem clearly
3
Ask the first 'why?' in relation to the problem
4
List possible reasons for the problem
5
Select the most probable cause for the issue
6
Approval: Project Lead
7
Ask the second 'why?' probing deeper into the issue
8
Identify related factors or instances
9
Select the most probable underlying cause
10
Approval: Quality Control
11
Proceed to ask the third 'why?' digging further
12
Identify any additional causes or contributing factors
13
Select the most plausible root cause based on the information available
14
Proceed to verify the derived root cause
15
Ask the fourth 'why?' if not satisfied with current cause
16
Perform a validation test for the identified cause
17
Approval: Internal Audit
18
Continue to the fifth and final 'why?' if necessary
19
Finalize the root cause(s) based on all findings
20
Plan and implement corrective actions where necessary
21
Approval: Top Management
Identify the problem to be analyzed
This task is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire analysis process. Clearly identify the problem to be analyzed, ensuring that it is specific and well-defined. Highlight the impact of the problem on the overall process and emphasize the importance of finding a solution. Provide any necessary background information and resources to help the user understand the problem.
Define the problem clearly
In this task, provide a detailed definition of the problem identified in the previous step. Clearly explain the problem, its causes, and its impacts on the organization or process. Encourage the user to think critically and analyze the problem from different angles. Provide any necessary background information or resources to help the user gain a deeper understanding of the problem.
Ask the first 'why?' in relation to the problem
When asking the first 'why?', encourage the user to think about the immediate cause of the problem. Prompt them to analyze the situation and identify the root cause. Emphasize the importance of digging deeper and not settling for surface-level causes. Provide guidance on how to ask effective 'why?' questions and encourage critical thinking.
List possible reasons for the problem
In this task, prompt the user to brainstorm and list possible reasons for the problem. Encourage them to think broadly and consider all potential causes. Highlight the importance of capturing all potential causes, even if they may seem unlikely at first. Provide an open text field where the user can enter their suggestions.
Select the most probable cause for the issue
In this task, guide the user in selecting the most probable cause for the problem identified. Present them with the list of possible reasons provided in the previous step and ask them to make a selection. Encourage them to consider the available information and use their judgment to determine the most likely cause. Provide a dropdown field with the list of possible reasons as options.
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Option 1
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Option 2
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Option 3
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Option 4
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Option 5
Approval: Project Lead
Will be submitted for approval:
Define the problem clearly
Will be submitted
Ask the second 'why?' probing deeper into the issue
Prompt the user to ask the second 'why?' question to probe deeper into the issue. Encourage them to challenge the initial cause identified and explore additional underlying factors. Provide guidance on how to ask effective 'why?' questions and encourage critical thinking. Help the user understand the importance of uncovering the true root cause.
Identify related factors or instances
In this task, prompt the user to identify and analyze related factors or instances that contribute to the problem. Encourage them to consider the broader context and explore potential interconnected causes. Provide an open text field where the user can enter their findings.
Select the most probable underlying cause
Guide the user in selecting the most probable underlying cause based on the analysis of related factors and instances. Present them with the information gathered in the previous step and ask them to make a selection. Encourage them to consider the interdependencies and choose the cause that best explains the problem. Provide a dropdown field with the list of related factors as options.
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Option 1
2
Option 2
3
Option 3
4
Option 4
5
Option 5
Approval: Quality Control
Will be submitted for approval:
Select the most probable underlying cause
Will be submitted
Proceed to ask the third 'why?' digging further
Prompt the user to ask the third 'why?' question to dig even deeper into the issue. Encourage them to challenge the underlying cause identified in the previous step and explore further contributing factors. Help the user understand that the true root cause may not be apparent at first and requires thorough investigation.
Identify any additional causes or contributing factors
In this task, prompt the user to identify any additional causes or contributing factors that may have been overlooked. Encourage them to consider different perspectives and gather more information if necessary. Provide an open text field where the user can enter their findings.
Select the most plausible root cause based on the information available
Guide the user in selecting the most plausible root cause based on all the information gathered so far. Present them with the causes and contributing factors identified in the previous steps and ask them to make a selection. Encourage them to consider the completeness and coherence of the information and use their judgment to determine the root cause. Provide a dropdown field with the list of causes and contributing factors as options.
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Option 1
2
Option 2
3
Option 3
4
Option 4
5
Option 5
Proceed to verify the derived root cause
In this task, guide the user in verifying the derived root cause. Encourage them to critically evaluate the selected root cause and determine if further validation is required. Provide guidance on how to perform additional tests or analysis to confirm the root cause.
Ask the fourth 'why?' if not satisfied with current cause
If the user is not satisfied with the current root cause, prompt them to ask the fourth 'why?' question to explore alternative possibilities. Encourage them to consider different perspectives, gather additional evidence, or consult with other stakeholders. Help the user understand the importance of thorough analysis and the need to uncover the true root cause.
Perform a validation test for the identified cause
In this task, guide the user in performing a validation test for the identified root cause. Encourage them to design and execute a test or experiment to confirm or refute the cause. Provide guidance on how to collect and analyze data, interpret the results, and draw conclusions. Emphasize the importance of objective and reliable validation.
Approval: Internal Audit
Will be submitted for approval:
Perform a validation test for the identified cause
Will be submitted
Continue to the fifth and final 'why?' if necessary
If the user is still uncertain about the root cause after the previous steps, prompt them to continue to the fifth and final 'why?' question. Encourage them to further explore and analyze the issue, considering all available information and perspectives. Help the user understand the importance of persistence and thorough investigation in uncovering the true root cause.
Finalize the root cause(s) based on all findings
Guide the user in finalizing the root cause(s) based on all the findings and analysis conducted. Encourage them to review and consolidate all the information gathered, considering the results of validation tests and additional investigations. Emphasize the importance of documenting and communicating the finalized root cause(s) for further action.
Plan and implement corrective actions where necessary
In this final task, guide the user in planning and implementing appropriate corrective actions to address the identified root cause(s) and resolve the problem. Encourage them to consider potential solutions, prioritize actions, assign responsibilities, and set timelines. Provide guidance on monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the corrective actions.