Scribd
Upload
39 views1 page

Cause and Effect Tree Root Cause Analysis Tool: Description

This document describes a cause and effect tree root cause analysis tool that can help identify the root causes and effects of problems or gaps. The tool involves drawing a tree with branches and roots on a large piece of paper. The specific problem is written on the trunk. Participants then brainstorm and write the root causes on pieces of paper that are attached to the roots, and the effects on pieces of paper attached to the branches. This visual representation can provide new insights and help identify steps to address the root causes and reduce the problem and its effects.

Uploaded by

syedfarazshafeeq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
39 views1 page

Cause and Effect Tree Root Cause Analysis Tool: Description

This document describes a cause and effect tree root cause analysis tool that can help identify the root causes and effects of problems or gaps. The tool involves drawing a tree with branches and roots on a large piece of paper. The specific problem is written on the trunk. Participants then brainstorm and write the root causes on pieces of paper that are attached to the roots, and the effects on pieces of paper attached to the branches. This visual representation can provide new insights and help identify steps to address the root causes and reduce the problem and its effects.

Uploaded by

syedfarazshafeeq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Cause and Effect Tree Root Cause Analysis Tool

Description: This relatively simple tool helps analyze root causes and effects of a problem or gap
identified through the Environmental Public Health Performance Standards process. It can help
move from gaps to identifying strategic steps to address the gaps.

Resources
 A large piece of paper to hang up or lay flat on a table that the group can gather around
 Paper with adhesive or pieces of paper and tape
 Markers or other writing utensils

Instructions
1) On the paper, draw the outline of a tree with trunk, branches, and roots. Make sure you have
several branches and roots because specific causes and effects of the problem will be taped
to these. Hang the drawing on the wall or put it flat on a table for the group to gather
around.

2) Identify a specific problem (specific gap or problem for your program identified through the
Environmental Public Health Performance Standards). Write the name of the problem on the
tree trunk.

3) Ask the group to brainstorm the root causes of this problem. Have them write their ideas on
separate pieces of paper and affix each root cause to a “root” of the tree in the picture.
(Note: as a facilitator, you may fall into the role of taking notes of what others say and
pinning the ideas up yourself. However, participants will be more engaged in the process if
they write the ideas and affix them themselves).

4) Ask the group to think about the various effects of this problem. Similarly, have them write
these ideas on separate pieces of paper and affix them to the tree branches.

5) When everyone feels that major issues have been included, ask the group if any new insights
occur to them when they look at the problem in this way. Can the group take steps that
would help reduce the problem and its effects by addressing the root causes? You may want
to make a separate list of these ideas and use this as an initial brainstorming for how to
address the gap.

6) Consider taking a photo of the completed tree as a record. In addition, offer to leave the
paper with the group. This reminder will increase buy-in and can be referred to later by
participants.

-- Problem Tree Analysis, modified for the Environmental Public Health Performance Standards
(www.cdc.gov/nceh/ehs/envphps). For more information, see N. Narayanasamy. (2009).
Participatory rural appraisal: principles, methods and application. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage
Publications.

You might also like