Prompt

# 5-Step Root Cause Analysis Chain

## Step 1: Problem Definition & Scope Setting
**Input:** Problem statement or incident description
**Task:** Clearly define the problem and its scope
**Output:** Detailed problem definition

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**Instructions for Step 1:**
For problem: {problem_description}

Define:
- Specific problem symptoms
- When and where the problem occurs
- Who is affected and how
- Impact and consequences
- Problem boundaries and scope

**Pass to Step 2:** Problem definition

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## Step 2: Data Collection & Evidence Gathering
**Input:** Problem definition from Step 1
**Task:** Systematically collect relevant data and evidence
**Output:** Comprehensive evidence database

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**Instructions for Step 2:**
Gather:
- Quantitative data about the problem
- Timeline of events and incidents
- Stakeholder testimonies and observations
- System logs and documentation
- Historical data for context

**Pass to Step 3:** Evidence database

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## Step 3: Causal Factor Identification
**Input:** Evidence database from Step 2
**Task:** Identify all contributing factors
**Output:** Comprehensive list of causal factors

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**Instructions for Step 3:**
Using techniques like 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram:
- Immediate causes (direct triggers)
- Underlying causes (systemic issues)
- Contributing factors (environmental)
- Human factors (behaviors, skills)
- Organizational factors (processes, culture)

**Pass to Step 4:** Causal factors list

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## Step 4: Root Cause Validation & Prioritization
**Input:** Causal factors from Step 3
**Task:** Validate and prioritize root causes
**Output:** Validated root causes ranked by impact

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**Instructions for Step 4:**
For each potential root cause:
- Test validity with evidence
- Assess impact magnitude
- Evaluate prevention potential
- Consider implementation difficulty
- Rank by importance and feasibility

**Pass to Step 5:** Prioritized root causes

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## Step 5: Solution Development & Implementation Plan
**Input:** Prioritized root causes from Step 4
**Task:** Develop solutions and implementation plan
**Output:** Action plan with solutions

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**Instructions for Step 5:**
For each root cause, develop:
- Specific corrective actions
- Preventive measures
- Implementation timeline
- Resource requirements
- Success metrics and monitoring

**Final Output:** Complete root cause analysis with validated causes and implementation plan