8

Cause Analysis

Cause analysis is the final step in the Performance Analysis Phase of the Performance Improvement/HPT Model. A cause analysis will determine why the performance gap exists leading to the real issues and not the superficial ones. Figure 8.1 shows the cause analysis component of the model.

Definition and Scope

“Cause analysis is the process of determining the root cause(s) of past, present, or future performance gaps. It follows, but is integrally related to, performance analysis.”1 Cause analysis is integral to conducting a thorough performance analysis. While organizational, environmental, and gap analyses yield valuable information, a cause analysis determines why the performance gap exists.

Cause analysis is the “bridge” ...

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