INFORMS Open Forum

  • 1.  Root-cause analysis tools or methods

    Posted 05-19-2023 15:32

    What analytical tools or methods are available to investigate the root cause of a business problem? Thank you. 



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    Alberto Aparicio
    Data Analyst
    Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc.
    La Mesa CA
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  • 2.  RE: Root-cause analysis tools or methods

    Posted 05-21-2023 09:40

    Would these two be useful to you?

    https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/root-cause-analysis
    https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10845-022-01914-3

    The first outlines how you can do that in a more qualitative way and reminds me of the business or social science essays I wrote a long time ago.

    The second link discusses data-driven approaches to root-cause analysis in manufacturing. While it may not directly relate to your current problem, the references included can potentially assist in developing customized solutions for your client.



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    Vincent Tsz Fai Chow
    Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
    Email: tsz-fai.chow@polyu.edu.hk
    https://tfvchow.github.io
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  • 3.  RE: Root-cause analysis tools or methods

    Posted 05-24-2023 14:16

    Thank you, Vincent. I feel the second paper is way over my head. 



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    Alberto Aparicio
    Data Analyst
    Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc.
    La Mesa CA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Root-cause analysis tools or methods

    Posted 05-26-2023 08:54

    Root cause analysis of which business problems?   A manufacturing excursion, demand estimate failure, no shows for shift work, etc.?  A starting point is always understanding the business situation, second is a model that captures the complexity of the business situation.  Methods to do this are well established in Industry - typically don't make it into the literature.



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    Ken Fordyce
    director analytics without borders
    Arkieva
    Wilmington DE
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  • 5.  RE: Root-cause analysis tools or methods

    Posted 05-26-2023 11:59

    It is a nonprofit sector inquiry. 



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    Alberto Aparicio
    Data Analyst
    Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc.
    San Diego, CA
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Root-cause analysis tools or methods

    Posted 05-26-2023 10:13

    This might not be a fit but is good reading, Pearl, Judea. Causality: Models, Reasoning and Inference
    https://www.amazon.com/Causality-Reasoning-Inference-Judea-Pearl/dp/052189560X



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    Andrew Acosta
    Data Scientist
    Milesius Capital Resources LLC
    Chicago IL
    andrew@acm.org
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  • 7.  RE: Root-cause analysis tools or methods

    Posted 05-30-2023 09:43

    I'd suggest tools from Six Sigma: Process Mapping, Cause/Effect Analysis, Failure Modes Effects Analysis. Each of these, from left to right, goes into more detail in process understanding. Subject matter expertise is required.



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    Aaron Hussey
    Founder & CEO
    Integral Analytics, LLC
    Concord NC
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