Root Cause Analysis

A systematic process for identifying the underlying causes of problems or events rather than just addressing symptoms. Root cause analysis techniques include the "5 Whys" approach (asking why repeatedly to drill down to fundamental causes) and Ishikawa diagrams (fishbone diagrams that categorize potential causes). In RBPM, root cause analysis is applied to risk events to understand their origins and implement more effective preventive controls. It helps organizations address systemic issues rather than treating individual symptoms.