Ctitical Thinking Techniques of Root Cause Analysis Essay

Critical Thinking Techniques Used In Root Cause Analysis Root cause analysis is a common term used by investigators and analysts that means different things to different people. However, in its most literal sense root cause analysis requires the performer to systematically break down a situation into individual components or processes in a search for truth that can be supported by facts (Eckhardt, 2007). This analysis should be conducted in the form of an investigation into both the apparent symptoms of a situation as well as the causes that led up to the situation being analyzed. As an example, if performed correctly, a police investigation will use root cause analysis to first determine what happened, and only after the event is†¦show more content†¦This action requires the analyst to have an understanding of the components involved and the process being investigated. By considering, then discarding or retaining scenarios that may have caused the situation, the analyst will be able to narrow the scope of the investigation until the source of the problem has been uncovered. My position with my company is tasked with performing root cause analysis to uncover problems related to employee compensation and payout. To accomplish this task, I am required to have an understanding of how the compensation plan functions, what compensation rules are in place, and to maintain a working knowledge of the order writing and compensation systems and data flow. Recently, I was tasked with determining why my organization’s data product unit sales were not accelerating at the same pace as the revenue generated from the units sold. Many factors exist that could cause this scenario, including a higher quantity of speed upgrades, more higher-end product sales, or tracking problems. My first course of action was to ensure that there had been no change in order writing procedures or tracking methodology. Once I was comfortable that there was no change in procedure or methodology, I eliminated the possibility that there were