Name: Anshul Garg Roll No: 21PGDM011

Section A. Learnings from the Article

1. To solve a business problem or to run a successful business, one has to identify

the difference between a symptom and the root cause.

2. It is essential to ask the right questions in order to get the right answers.

3. Steps to deal with symptoms that affects the business–

 Acknowledge them
 Assess their impact
 Quickly step into diagnosis mode to determine their root cause
 Take action to treat and alleviate the root cause

4. Root Cause Analysis is a useful technique for determining the root cause and
long-term solutions to business problems and ensuring that nothing is
neglected.

5. We can use the 5-Whys technique, which requires us to keep asking why until
we probably have found the root cause of the problem.

6. Several approaches that leaders can take to solve problems – Transparent

communication, break down silos, open-minded people, and a solid
foundational strategy.

7. Basic steps for problem solving:

 Define the problem
 Determine the reasons for the problem
 Determine the underlying conditions that give rise to the reason for
the problem
 Design a solution for the problem
 Implement the solution
 Evaluate the success of the solution

8. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we
created them.

9.  A mutual approach (corrective and adaptive action) can also be used, which
focuses on identifying the "root cause" of the problem and developing solutions
 to fix it. Also, focus on the negative consequences of the problem and take
appropriate corrective action to resolve them.

Section B. Relevance of Root Cause Analysis in Business Problem Solving

 Root cause analysis is a very useful process that explains that in order to solve
a problem, one must look further than the symptoms and identify the root cause
of the business problem. A symptom is simply a signal that something is
wrong, but understanding what is wrong is the most important part of resolving
the problem.

 This technique helps us in understanding what actually happened, why it

happened, and what we can do to reduce the possibility that it will appear
again.

 If a person continues to do the same thing and expects different results, it will
not happen. Many businesses find it extremely difficult to accurately identify
the source of the problem. Most of them treat the symptoms by identifying the
obvious problems, but the solutions are frequently ineffective or the symptoms
keep happening.

 Hence, root cause analysis is essential for preventing the problems from
recurring, reduce cost and save money. It will ensure that nothing is ignored
and will provide a more effective solution.

Section C. Example of Symptoms and its Root causes:

1. Symptom: Fever and Rashes

Root Cause: Dengue

2. Symptom: Water purifier not working

Root Cause: Excessive use of borewell or hard water

3. Symptom: Worker used the incorrect tool to connect the pipes

Root Cause: Insufficient lighting to read the labels