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by Robert (Bob) J. Latino Leave a Comment

Do Human Performance Learning Teams Make RCA Obsolete

Do Human Performance Learning Teams Make RCA Obsolete

I recently attended a conference where I listened to a presentation on Human Performance Improvement (HPI) by Dr. Todd Conklin and other speakers advocating Dr. Conklin’s ‘Learning Team’ approach. This was the first time I had heard Root Cause Analysis (RCA) referred to as ‘old school’ and obsolete. This got me to thinking, given I have been in the RCA business for decades, is what I do for a living…obsolete?

Abstract: In this paper I will contrast the concept of Human Performance Learning Teams as expressed by its advocates, to that of RCA Investigative Teams from my perspective. I am not speaking for all ‘RCA’ providers, as they vary widely and can better represent themselves (which I hope they do in response to this article). However, I believe there are fundamental steps to any professional investigative occupation that are required in order for an RCA to be ‘valid’. 

In the end, I will seek to answer the following questions:

  1. How does the HPI community define and view RCA versus me?
  2. Do these two approaches complement or compete with each other?
  3. Is there room for them to work together to accomplish a common goal?

It is my hope that after reading this paper, both sides have a greater appreciation for the views of the other. Since my expertise is not in facilitating ‘learning teams’, this paper is primarily focused on defining my holistic, non-traditional view of RCA. I am then contrasting that view against what I have come to know about learning teams. It is the constructive, fact-based debate I seek to narrow the gaps in my understanding between the two approaches.

Without Having to Provide Contact Info, Download the Full 19-Page White Paper at: Do Learning Teams Make RCA Obsolete?

Filed Under: Articles, on Maintenance Reliability, The RCA

About Robert (Bob) J. Latino

Robert Latino is currently a Principal at Prelical Solutions, LLC, along with his brother Ken Latino.  Bob was a Founder and CEO of Reliability Center, Inc. (RCI), until it was acquired in 2019.  RCI is a 50-year-old Reliability Consulting firm specializing in improving Equipment, Process and Human Reliability. Mr. Latino received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

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CEO of Reliability Center, Inc.

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