Root Cause

In project planning, it is important to identify the root cause of problems or issues that arise during the course of the project. The root cause is the underlying reason or source of a problem, rather than just the symptoms. Identifying the root cause is an important step in creating a project plan that is effective and efficient.

Recently, my role has changed to Project Manager within Corporate FSI (Foreign Systems Interfaces) team at Universal Health Services. While I have been technically managing implementation, and new builds for our Acute facilities involving Physician Billing for the last two-three years, it’s nice to pursue this course, officially.

Importance of Identifying Root Causes

Identifying the root cause of a problem is crucial because it helps project managers to:

1. Address the problem directly: By identifying the root cause of a problem, project managers can address it directly, rather than just treating the symptoms.
2. Prevent the problem from recurring: Once the root cause is identified and addressed, project managers can take steps to prevent the problem from recurring in the future.
3. Improve project outcomes: Addressing the root cause of a problem can lead to improved project outcomes, including improved quality, scope, schedule, and budget.
4. Save time and resources: By addressing the root cause of a problem, project managers can save time and resources by preventing the problem from recurring and avoiding further damage.

Steps for Identifying Root Causes

1. Define the problem: The first step in identifying the root cause of a problem is to define the problem clearly. This involves gathering information about the symptoms and the impact of the problem on the project.
2. Gather data: The next step is to gather data about the problem. This may involve collecting data from various sources, including project documentation, stakeholder interviews, and project metrics.
3. Analyze the data: Once the data has been gathered, project managers should analyze it to identify patterns or trends that may indicate the root cause of the problem.
4. Ask “why” questions: Project managers should ask “why” questions to identify the underlying cause of the problem. By asking “why” multiple times, project managers can drill down to the root cause of the problem.
5. Validate the root cause: Once the root cause has been identified, project managers should validate it by checking that it is consistent with the data and the symptoms of the problem.
6. Develop a solution: Once the root cause has been identified and validated, project managers should develop a solution to address it. This may involve revising the project plan, revising the project scope, or making changes to the project team.

Best Practices for Identifying Root Causes

1. Involve stakeholders: It is important to involve all relevant stakeholders in the process of identifying root causes. This helps to ensure that all perspectives are considered.
2. Use data: Data plays a crucial role in identifying root causes. Project managers should use data to inform their analysis, including project data, stakeholder data, and environmental data.
3. Focus on the problem, not the person: It is important to focus on the problem, rather than blaming individuals for the problem. This helps to create a culture of problem-solving and continuous improvement.
4. Use a systematic approach: Identifying root causes requires a systematic approach, including gathering data, analyzing data, asking “why” questions, and validating the root cause.

In Summary

Identifying the root cause of problems is an important step in creating a project plan that is effective and efficient. By identifying the root cause of a problem, project managers can address it directly, prevent it from recurring, improve project outcomes, and save time and resources. To identify the root cause, project managers should define the problem, gather data, analyze the data, ask “why” questions, validate the root cause, and develop a solution. By following these best practices, project managers can improve the overall outcomes of their projects and ensure their success.

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