Retrospective Technique - 5 Whys

The 5 Whys is an iterative question-asking technique used to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying a particular problem.The primary goal of the technique is to determine the root cause of a defect or problem. (The "5" in the name derives from an empirical observation on the number of iterations typically required to resolve the problem.)

A key phrase to keep in mind in any 5 Why exercise is "people do not fail, processes do".
Source- 5 Whys

 Example- The vehicle will not start. (the problem)
  1. Why? - The battery is dead. (first why)
  2. Why? - The alternator is not functioning. (second why)
  3. Why? - The alternator belt has broken. (third why)
  4. Why? - The alternator belt was well beyond its useful service life and not replaced. (fourth why)
  5. Why? - The vehicle was not maintained according to the recommended service schedule. (fifth why, a root cause)

Comments

  1. Evan RaymondsAugust 21, 2019 at 2:32 AM

    Root cause analysis is highly benefited by 5 Whys, a diagram aid in cause-and-effect relationships underlying a particular problem. The primary goal of the technique is to determine the root cause of a defect or problem by repeating the question "Why?". Understanding 5 whys is easy with your explanation. You can start drawing 5 whys with these 5 whys analysis templates

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