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28 METHODS · 1 MODEL
Root Cause Analysis Methods
28 methods. One question: which fits?
The energy industry's own guidance on investigation compares more than two dozen analysis methods, from the 5 Whys to full organisational models. None is right for every case. We frame every investigation with the P3i Causation Model and choose the methods that fit the event, the evidence and the decision you have to make.
Since the 1990s
30
years investigating
250+
investigations closed, incl. HiPOs
15
countries served
20+
countries of lead seminars
100+
nationalities trained
The frame behind every P3i investigation
From the loss to the control gap.
01
Loss
02
Event
03
Immediate causes
04
Basic causes
05
Control gaps
The method library
What does your case involve?
Pick one. The library shows which of the 28 recognised methods are suited to it.
28 recognised methods
Apollo Root Cause Analysis
A general cause-and-effect problem-solving method.
Black Bow Ties
A barrier-based diagram used after incidents.
Operational readiness to investigate
Guidance on being ready to run an investigation, rather than an analysis method.
Events & causal factors charting
A time-ordered chart of events and the conditions around them.
Fishbone diagram
A structured picture of possible causes by category.
Human error repository and analysis
A human error classification and analysis approach.
Human error reduction in air traffic management
A detailed human error method from aviation.
Human factors analysis and classification
A layered classification of human and organisational failures.
Human factors analysis tools
A set of tools usable for any behaviour, including risk assessment.
Human factors investigation tool
A structured tool for human factors in incidents.
Human system interactions
Analysis of how people and systems interact.
Incident cause analysis method
An organisational model tracing absent defences to organisational factors.
Maintenance error decision aid
A method for errors in maintenance work.
Management oversight and risk tree
A detailed logic tree of management and oversight failures.
Procedural event analysis
Analysis of procedural errors, originally for flight crews.
Prevention and recovery information system
A method to collect and structure incident data for learning.
Systematic cause analysis
A checklist-based model from immediate causes to management system gaps.
Safety through organisational learning
A method focused on organisational learning from events.
Seeking out underlying root causes
A structured root cause method with a solutions checklist.
Sequentially timed events plotting
A detailed plot of actors and events over time.
Storybuilder
A method for occupational incidents across industries.
Proprietary root cause systems
Commercial root cause systems with interviewing and solution modules.
Proprietary problem-solving systems
Commercial systems combining timelines and causal analysis.
Cognitive error analysis
Retrospective and predictive analysis of cognitive errors.
Tripod-type organisational analysis
Traces failed barriers back to underlying organisational risk factors.
Why-because analysis
A rigorous causal graph of why each event happened.
5 Whys
Repeated questioning until a system cause is reached.
Why tree
A branching version of the 5 Whys.
Based on the comparison of analysis methods in the Energy Institute's guidance on human factors in incident investigation. Method names are given for reference and several are proprietary or trademarked; P3i selects the approach that suits each case and does not claim licensed certification in proprietary methods.
Methods we explain in depth
Not sure which method your case needs? A first call costs nothing, and we will tell you.
The P3i approach
How we investigate with the right method. Fact-finding, not fault-finding.
Every P3i investigation is led by a senior investigator and supported by internationally qualified process specialists. You will not receive a list of people to blame, or a long list of generic actions. You will receive the facts, the proven causes, and a short plan that closes the gaps, in this case and across your system.
Independent
No products, repairs or contracts to sell you afterwards.
Senior-led
Thirty years of investigation, from the first call to the final briefing.
Beyond the event
Process specialists find the other cracks before they fail.
Ready to present
Written for boards, buyers, insurers and regulators.
How P3i does it for you
- 01
Tell us the case, not the method
You describe what happened; we choose the methods. No jargon on your side of the table.
- 02
Match method to evidence
Sequence, barriers, human factors or change — picked for what your case actually needs.
- 03
Prove every link
No cause goes in the report unless the evidence holds it.
- 04
Reach the control gap
Past "operator error" to the system weakness that will cause the next one.
- 05
Hand over a plan, not a theory
Short, owned actions leadership can approve in one meeting.
What you receive
Call us when
Free 30-minute case assessment.
Tell us what happened. In confidence, we will tell you what the investigation should cover, how long it will take and what to preserve today.
Questions
What clients ask about methods.
How many investigation methods are there?
Internationally, more than two dozen recognised incident analysis methods are in use, from simple questioning techniques to comprehensive organisational models.
Which method does P3i use?
Every investigation is framed by the P3i Causation Model, with the analysis methods chosen to suit the case.
Do you hold certification in proprietary methods?
We name methods for reference and select the approach that suits each case. We do not claim licensed certification in proprietary methods.
Right method. Real causes.
