6 steps beyond the 5 Whys - AMMJ

Case Study
Now that you have a good understanding
of each of the 6 Steps Beyond the 5 Why’s,
let’s refer back to the initial case study
used to illustrate the 5 Why method and
how diving deeper beyond this method,
using the “6 steps”, can allow you to get to
the root causes of a problem.
If we were to initiate the “6 Steps”, a
search for all relevant information would
be undertaken. Statements, photographs
and a search for all maintenance history
on the drive motor are all collected.
(Step 1)
The RCA is then undertaken (Step 3).
Clarification of the purpose of the
investigation, in this case preventing the
recurrence of the “Delay in loading the
train”, is the first step. Then context to
the problem is included by identifying
“When” it occurred, “Where” it happened
and how “Significant” the problem is (for
example; damage to reputation, cost of
any demurrage for delayed shipments
etc). Quantifying the costs will create an
understanding of just how significant this
problem is.
With management’s support, key
personnel have been identified to
participate in the investigation and invited
to attend. An experienced facilitator has
been appointed based on their ability to
handle all the individuals in the group and
to control the (potentially large) group
size.
The room that has been booked is suited
for the size of the group and the facilities
allow for the recording and organisation of
large amounts of information. The more
room there is the better as it allows the
facilitator to spread the information out in
logical paths to make it easy for others to
follow. The facilitator can then separate
cause paths and cater for the expansion of
them. (Step 2)