Which lean analytical tool helps identify the root cause of a problem?

Which lean analytical tool helps identify the root cause of a problem?

• A. Solution to the Problem
• B. Root Cause of the Problem
• C. Number of Occurrences of the Problem
• D. Person Who Caused the Problem

Answer: (B)

In Lean, solving a problem effectively means finding and addressing its underlying cause so the issue doesn’t come back. The tool isn’t about delivering a fix or counting how often something happens; it’s about uncovering what in the process caused the problem in the first place and removing that cause. The option that matches this aim is the one that represents identifying the underlying cause itself—the root cause of the problem. The other ideas describe implementing a solution, tracking frequency, or assigning blame, none of which get at why the issue happened. Lean analysts use approaches like 5 Whys or an Ishikawa diagram to drill down to that root cause and choose countermeasures that prevent recurrence.

In Lean, solving a problem effectively means finding and addressing its underlying cause so the issue doesn’t come back. The tool isn’t about delivering a fix or counting how often something happens; it’s about uncovering what in the process caused the problem in the first place and removing that cause. The option that matches this aim is the one that represents identifying the underlying cause itself—the root cause of the problem. The other ideas describe implementing a solution, tracking frequency, or assigning blame, none of which get at why the issue happened. Lean analysts use approaches like 5 Whys or an Ishikawa diagram to drill down to that root cause and choose countermeasures that prevent recurrence.