Root Cause Analysis

A problem solving method aimed at identifying the root (true, bottom line reason) of a problem or event. The practice of RCA is predicated on the belief that problems are best solved by attempting to correct or eliminate root causes, as opposed to merely addressing the immediately obvious symptoms.  Root cause analysis can and does often reveal that there are multiple necessary conditions which must simultaneously and/or sequentially occur to the subject failure to occur. That is root cause does not necessarily signify only one cause.