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Root Cause Analysis as a Problem Solving Tool for Leaders and Managers: Application to Environmental Measurement Systems
Poster Presentation
Prepared by J. Worthington1, S. Dockum2, A. Smith2
1 - EPA Office of Environmental Information, 472 Penwood Drive, Edgewater, MD, 21037, United States
2 - EPA Office of Environmental Information, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20460, United States
Contact Information: worthington.jeffrey@epa.gov; 202-566-0995
ABSTRACT
Laboratory leadership is problem solving at every level on a daily basis. Quality managers also lead problem solving efforts directed at developing and implementing formal corrective actions to address deficiencies or non-conformance findings. Root cause analysis is often the assumed method to develop corrective and preventative actions; however, root cause analysis is not always leveraged to its full potential as a problem solving tool to address laboratory technical and management problems. This technical presentation explores how to best use the technique to real benefit. The presentation presents a novel approach to understanding basic root cause techniques then provides a real world laboratory example. A key lesson is understanding the technique is not limited to searching for a single cause and single solution. The presentation offers tools and a practical step wise approach to the application of root cause analysis for problem solving.
Poster Presentation
Prepared by J. Worthington1, S. Dockum2, A. Smith2
1 - EPA Office of Environmental Information, 472 Penwood Drive, Edgewater, MD, 21037, United States
2 - EPA Office of Environmental Information, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC, 20460, United States
Contact Information: worthington.jeffrey@epa.gov; 202-566-0995
ABSTRACT
Laboratory leadership is problem solving at every level on a daily basis. Quality managers also lead problem solving efforts directed at developing and implementing formal corrective actions to address deficiencies or non-conformance findings. Root cause analysis is often the assumed method to develop corrective and preventative actions; however, root cause analysis is not always leveraged to its full potential as a problem solving tool to address laboratory technical and management problems. This technical presentation explores how to best use the technique to real benefit. The presentation presents a novel approach to understanding basic root cause techniques then provides a real world laboratory example. A key lesson is understanding the technique is not limited to searching for a single cause and single solution. The presentation offers tools and a practical step wise approach to the application of root cause analysis for problem solving.