# root-cause-checklist

Systematic checklist for root cause analysis.

## Problem Definition

- [ ] Problem clearly stated
- [ ] Symptoms documented
- [ ] Timeline established
- [ ] Affected components identified
- [ ] Impact quantified
- [ ] Success criteria defined

## Fishbone Analysis Categories

### People Factors

- [ ] Knowledge gaps assessed
- [ ] Communication issues reviewed
- [ ] Training needs identified
- [ ] User behavior analyzed
- [ ] Team dynamics considered

### Process Factors

- [ ] Development process reviewed
- [ ] Deployment procedures checked
- [ ] Code review practices assessed
- [ ] Testing processes evaluated
- [ ] Documentation processes reviewed

### Technology Factors

- [ ] Framework limitations identified
- [ ] Library issues checked
- [ ] Tool configurations reviewed
- [ ] Infrastructure problems assessed
- [ ] Integration issues evaluated

### Environment Factors

- [ ] Environment differences documented
- [ ] Resource constraints checked
- [ ] External dependencies reviewed
- [ ] Network issues assessed
- [ ] Configuration drift analyzed

### Data Factors

- [ ] Input validation reviewed
- [ ] Data integrity checked
- [ ] State management assessed
- [ ] Race conditions evaluated
- [ ] Data flow analyzed

### Method Factors

- [ ] Algorithm correctness verified
- [ ] Design patterns reviewed
- [ ] Architecture decisions assessed
- [ ] Performance strategies evaluated
- [ ] Security measures reviewed

## 5-Whys Analysis

- [ ] Initial problem stated
- [ ] First why answered
- [ ] Second why answered
- [ ] Third why answered
- [ ] Fourth why answered
- [ ] Fifth why answered (root cause)
- [ ] Additional whys if needed
- [ ] Causation chain documented

## Evidence Collection

- [ ] Logs collected
- [ ] Metrics gathered
- [ ] Code examined
- [ ] Tests reviewed
- [ ] Documentation checked
- [ ] User reports compiled
- [ ] Monitoring data analyzed

## Validation

- [ ] Root cause reproducible
- [ ] Alternative causes eliminated
- [ ] Evidence supports conclusion
- [ ] Peer review conducted
- [ ] Confidence level assessed

## Action Planning

- [ ] Immediate actions defined
- [ ] Short-term solutions planned
- [ ] Long-term prevention designed
- [ ] Process improvements identified
- [ ] Responsibilities assigned
- [ ] Timeline established

## Documentation

- [ ] Analysis documented
- [ ] Evidence archived
- [ ] Recommendations clear
- [ ] Lessons learned captured
- [ ] Report generated
- [ ] Stakeholders informed

## Follow-up

- [ ] Fix implemented
- [ ] Effectiveness verified
- [ ] Monitoring in place
- [ ] Recurrence prevented
- [ ] Knowledge transferred
- [ ] Process updated
