Causal analysis: Rational simplicity works

Abstract

Causal Analysis is a powerful process improvement tool and a required practice in ISO and CMMI. Since wide use of traditionally recommended analysis methods requires much effort, many companies prefer formal analysis implementation for “certification” purpose only, thereby losing a beneficial opportunity. According to Luxoft experience, the two major challenges of the causal analysis are the selection of problems and defects, correction and prevention of which is most effective; and finding root causes underlying those problems as deep as possible. One of the possible solutions to the problems is within the simplest causal analysis methods and determined procedures on the project level combined with complicated quantitative analysis on the organizational level. The results are proved by effective treatment of the root causes, improved process indicators, and wide implementation in practice.