esses or systems failed or caused an issue, problem, or need in the first place. Identifying the root causes of a problem, issue, or need helps in developing more effective strategies to overcome it (Guavera, 2022). There are three basic types of root causes that can have a potential impact on a problem, need, issue, or event:
- Physical causes
- Human causes
- Organizational causes
The first goal of RCA is to discover the root cause of a problem, issue, need, or event. The second goal is to fully understand how to fix, compensate, or to learn from any underlying issues within the root cause. The third goal is to apply what we learn from this analysis to systematically prevent future issues or to repeat successes (Root cause analysis explained: Definition, examples, and methods. Tableau, n.d.).
There are several core principles that guide effective root cause analysis, some of which may be readily apparent while others may not (Refer to Table 7.4: Core Principles of Root Causes Analysis).
Table 7.4: Core Principles of Root Cause Analysis
Source: Root cause analysis explained: Definition, examples, and methods. Tableau. (n.d.). Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.tableau.com/learn/articles/root-cause-analysis
It should be noted that RCA is not a one-size fits all methodology. Rather, there are many tools, processes, and techniques that can be used in conducting in RCAs. Regardless of the technique chosen, the process for Root Cause Analysis remains the same (Refer to Table 7.5: Root Cause Analysis Process).
It should be noted that RCA is not a one-size fits all methodology. Rather, there are many tools, processes, and techniques that can be used in conducting in RCAs. Regardless of the technique chosen, the process for Root Cause Analysis remains the same (Refer to Table 7.5: Root Cause Analysis Process)
Table 7.5: Root Cause Analysis Process
|Realize the problem
|Determine possible causal factors
|Identify the root cause
|Recommend and implement solutions
Source: Guevara, P. (2022, August 12). Root cause analysis: Definition and examples. SafetyCulture. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://safetyculture.com/topics/root-cause-analysis/(Refer to Appendix 7.D: Sample Root Cause Analysis: Fall-Related Injuries on Behavioral Health Unit)
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis
A SWOT analysis is a high-level strategic planning model that helps organizations, programs, and/or other entities identify where they are doing well and where they can improve from both an internal and external perspective. A SWOT analysis can help you evaluate your business, program, or other entity by considering multiple factors:
- Strengths and weaknesses (represented as internal factors). Internal factors are considered things that can be controlled. Examples include team members, program content, and geographical location.
- Opportunities and threats (represented as external factors). External factors are considered things that cannot be controlled. Examples include policies and regulations, economic trends, and competitors.
Students can use a SWOT analysis to plot out a future course for their capstone project that will focus on project strengths while minimizing risks. Insights you glean resulting from your SWOT analysis should be used constructively as part of the capstone planning process (Jackson, 2022).
How to Do a SWOT Analysis
Undertaking a SWOT analysis requires planning and organization. The following steps will take you through the process:
- Step 1: Create a SWOT Matrix (Refer to Figure 7.1: Sample SWOT Matrix)
Figure 7.1: Sample SWOT Matrix
Source: Download free vectors, clipart graphics, Vector Art & design templates. Vecteezy. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2022, from https://www.vecteezy.com/free-vector/swot-analysis
- Step 2: Consider including community, program, and capstone project stakeholders. Including stakeholders input in a SWOT analysis can provide more insight as different perspectives can be considered (Jackson, 2022).
- Step 3: Lists your strengths
- Step 4: List your weakne