Five Whys

Five Whys

Five Whys

Designation method

It applied to various fields of human activity in the process of analyzing problems and finding root causes of their occurrence.

The aim of the method

Search for the true causes of the problem in order to effectively resolve them.

The essence of the method

Five "why?" ,An effective tool that uses questions to explore the cause-effect relationships underlying a particular problem, determine the causal factors and identifying root causes. Considering the logic in the direction of "Why", we gradually reveal the whole chain of successive interrelated causal factors that influence the problem

Another method of logical modeling is the method of the "Five Why" (also known as a map of "Why?" - Why? "). Technique can be useful in conjunction with the following example. Following example shows how it will be use. The aim of the method consists in finding the main (root) causes of the problem. For each identified by the construction of the example which is discussed below, through the consistent answer to the question "Why?" It reveals a deeper reason.

The procedure for the analysis of the main (root) causes are as follows: 1) Define the problem or the reason for starting a high-level, intended for subsequent analysis; 2) brainstorm reasons, why the relevant level lower than the level of a starting point; 3) For each of the identified causes put the question: "Why it serves the cause of the initial problem?"; 4) After each new answer to the question ask it again and again as long as no other responses will remain. Perhaps it will be one of the root causes of problems. As practice shows, the number of iterations equal to five "Why".

Example

This technique was first used at Toyota during the evolution of their manufacturing methodologies, which later culminated in the Toyota Production System (TPS). This technique is currently used in many areas now, and is also used within Six Sigma

When we should use this?

In trying to identify the main causes of a problem more likely.

How to use?

1. Conduct a Brainstorming session usually using the model Diagram of Cause and Effect.

2. Once the likely causes are identified, start Ask "why is that?" or "Why is this happening?”

3. Why continue to ask at least five times. This challenges the Team to search thoroughly and do not settle for reasons already "tried and True.”

4. There will be times when you can go beyond the five times why asked to obtain the main causes.

5. During this time must be careful NOT to start asking "Who?” It must ...