What is a root cause analysis, and which techniques support LRA investigations?

• A. Identifies underlying factors; techniques include 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams; link root causes to controls.
• B. Only about assigning blame.
• C. Focuses on immediate symptoms.
• D. Root cause analysis is not applicable to LRA.

Answer: (A)

Root cause analysis means identifying the underlying factors that drive a problem rather than just addressing its surface symptoms. In LRA investigations, this approach helps you uncover systemic issues that could cause recurrence, such as gaps in processes, communication, or training, rather than just naming who was involved. Techniques like the 5 Whys push you to keep asking why until you reach a fundamental cause, while fishbone diagrams (Ishikawa) visually organize potential causes into categories like people, processes, equipment, environment, and policies. By identifying root causes, you can link them to concrete controls—updated policies, revised procedures, targeted training, checks, and monitoring—to prevent similar problems in the future. The other options miss the point: blaming focuses on individuals rather than causes, focusing on immediate symptoms stops at the surface without addressing why the issue occurred, and root cause analysis is indeed applicable to LRA because it supports durable, systemwide improvements rather than quick, isolated fixes.