022-root-cause-analysis

# Root Cause Analysis Guide the identification of root causes, not symptoms, for a framed problem, using Five Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa), Current Reality Tree, and constraint identification. **This is an interactive SKILL**. **What is covered in this Skill?** - Five Whys for a linear causal chain from a symptom to a root cause - Fishbone (Ishikawa) for categorized candidate causes across multiple dimensions - Current Reality Tree for interconnected causes and effects with a small number of core problems - Constraint identification for the limiting factor holding the current state in place - Choosing the technique(s) proportionate to the problem's complexity - Feeding root-cause findings into `023-assumption-analysis` and the remaining Functional Specification lenses ## Constraints Distinguish root causes from symptoms before recommending a fix. When this technique is orchestrated by another workflow, the orchestrator owns clarifying-question sequencing; when applied standalone, ask directly. - **MUST** read `references/022-root-cause-analysis.md` before applying Root Cause Analysis guidance - **MUST** distinguish a symptom (an observed effect) from a root cause (the condition that produces it) - **MUST** apply Five Whys as a chain of "why" questions grounded in evidence from the problem frame, not assumption - **MUST** apply Fishbone to organize candidate causes into categories (for example people, process, technology, environment) when more than one causal dimension is ...