five-whys-root-cause-analyzer

name	five-whys-root-cause-analyzer
description	Apply Five Whys rigorously to trace issues to root causes and define durable corrective actions. USE WHEN a task matches the Craft workspace workflow for five-whys-root-cause-analyzer.
cluster	quality-eval
version	1.0.0
origin	craft-agent workspace

Five Whys Root Cause Analyzer

Use this skill for structured root-cause analysis when users report recurring problems or unclear failures.

Trigger Conditions

• User asks for root cause analysis
• User mentions recurring issue or repeated failure
• User asks to apply Five Whys

Required Inputs

1. Problem statement
2. Symptoms and evidence
3. Timeline/context of occurrence
4. Stakeholders/systems involved

Workflow

1. Problem definition: state issue in observable, measurable terms.
2. Five Whys chain: ask successive why questions with evidence checks.
3. Root cause validation: test if cause explains repeated symptoms.
4. Corrective actions: design fixes at system/process level.
5. Prevention plan: define controls and monitoring.

Output Format

• Problem statement
• Five Whys chain
• Confirmed root cause(s)
• Corrective + preventive actions (CAPA)
• Verification checklist

Guardrails

• Don’t stop at superficial or person-blame causes.
• Require evidence at each why step.
• Include system-level prevention measures.