juuriselvitystä

Juuriselvitystä is a Finnish term that translates to "root cause analysis" or "root problem investigation." It refers to a systematic process used to identify the underlying causes of a problem, rather than just addressing its immediate symptoms. The goal is to prevent recurrence by understanding and rectifying the fundamental issues.

The process typically begins with clearly defining the problem. Once the problem is understood, various methods can be employed to gather information and explore potential causes. These might include brainstorming, interviews, data analysis, and the use of tools like the "5 Whys" technique, which involves repeatedly asking "why" to drill down to the fundamental cause. Another common tool is the Ishikawa diagram, also known as a fishbone diagram, which helps to categorize potential causes into different areas such as people, process, materials, and environment.

After identifying potential root causes, they are evaluated for their validity and impact. Evidence is gathered to confirm which causes are most likely responsible for the problem. Once the root cause(s) are determined, solutions are developed and implemented. The effectiveness of these solutions is then monitored to ensure the problem has been resolved and will not resurface. Juuriselvitystä is widely used in various fields, including business, manufacturing, healthcare, and IT, to improve processes, enhance safety, and reduce inefficiencies.