Root Cause Analysis Resources & Links

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5 Whys Template
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Apollo RCA Case Study
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Apollo Root Cause Analysis is a logic-based, systems-thinking methodology trusted by companies like BHP, Shell, and Rio Tinto. Learn how it works, and why it delivers deeper, more permanent solutions than traditional RCA approaches

Trusted RCA Tools & Platforms

RealityCharting.com

Official Apollo Root Cause Analysis software and training partner

RCPro® Software

The industry-leading Apollo Root Cause Analysis Software used worldwide

7 Steps to Effective Problem Solving - Dean Gano

A free 197-page PDF eBook by the creator of Apollo RCA. This in-depth resource (companion to the RealityCharting software) teaches a structured seven-step approach to evidence-based root cause analysis. It offers interactive examples and shows how Apollo’s logic-based cause charting makes traditional RCA methods “obsolete,” helping practitioners find and document effective solutions that prevent recurrence

Comparison of Common RCA Tools and Methods

A NASA-sponsored paper (adapted from Dean Gano’s work) comparing popular RCA techniques (e.g. fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, fault trees, logic tree analysis). It defines criteria for an effective RCA process (clear problem definition, causal relationships, evidence for causes, solution effectiveness, etc.) and evaluates how each method meets these criteria

5-Whys Guide & Template

A simple, printable guide explaining the “Five Whys” technique for root cause analysis. It illustrates how repeatedly asking “Why?” (often about five times) can peel away layers of symptoms to reveal a deeper underlying cause.

Cause-and-Effect “Tree” Diagram Template

A visual root cause analysis tool that helps map out causation in a tree structure. This template lets you start with a primary problem (the “trunk”) and branch out into multiple layers of causes. Primary causes lead to secondary causes, and so on, building a logic tree of cause-effect relationships.

Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram – What is a Fishbone Diagram?

An overview of the fishbone cause-and-effect diagram, a classic RCA tool for brainstorming and categorizing potential causes of a problem. Explains how the “fishbone” visual organizes causes into categories (e.g. the 6 Ms: Materials, Methods, Machines, etc.) and encourages teams to ask “Why?” repeatedly under each category

The Importance of Root Cause Analysis During Incident Investigation:

Official guidance from U.S. regulators on why and how to perform RCA after workplace incidents or near-misses. Explains that a “root cause” is a fundamental, underlying systemic reason for an incident and urges going beyond superficial causes. Includes a simple spill scenario illustrating how a basic fix (“clean up oil”) would miss the deeper cause (e.g. lack of a maintenance program to prevent leaks)

ASQ RCA Resources

Quality-focused RCA templates and articles from the American Society for Quality

Safe Work Australia Incident Reporting Guide

Government guidance on incdident reporting for businesses

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