Workshop: Root Cause Analysis

In typical industry practice, high number of defects are introduced early in the lifecycle and then removed (at a much higher cost) later in the lifecycle. Root cause analysis (RCA) information should be used to determine and remove the reasons for defect introduction in the first place and therefore reduce the rate of defect introduction in each phase.

RCA is a structured and effective process of identifying the root causes of defects. By directing corrective measures at root causes, it is hoped that the likelihood of defects occurrence will be minimized. RCA assumes that it is much more effective to systematically prevent and solve for underlying issues rather than just treating ad hoc symptoms and putting out fires.

In the workshop we will talk about RCA process and people involved in it, typical root cause classifications and discuss how to reduce the rate of defect introduction at early stages using RCA techniques. We will also illustrate the above with examples.