Assessor Resource

MSACMT280A
Undertake root cause analysis

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


In a typical scenario, the employee works in an organisation which is applying competitive manufacturing strategies. This involves the operator 'owning' their process, taking responsibility for it, undertaking root cause analysis of problems and generally contributing to increasing the uptime and general Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE).

This unit requires an ability to seek and apply information from a variety of sources in order to inform problem solving analyses. Initiative and enterprise is also required to identify quick fix and permanent solutions to problems.

This unit covers the knowledge and skills needed to undertake root cause analysis (RCA) by any person. This will often be done by people working in a team. This unit also covers the competencies needed by operators to contribute to an advanced maintenance strategy using RCA coupled with diagrams and charts.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.




Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence. it is essential for assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, the range statement and the assessment guidelines of the relevant training package

Overview of assessment requirements

The competent operator will be able to recognise problems in their process and undertake a root cause analysis, either alone or with assistance and propose permanent solutions.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit?

Access to an organisation using root cause analysis.

What critical aspects of evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit?

Evidence of root cause analyses undertaken should be available.

In what context should assessment occur?

Assessment will need to occur in an organisation implementing root cause analysis or by simulation or project.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit?

This unit could be assessed concurrently with other units dealing with the improvement of the process.

This unit could be co-assessed (and delivered) with:

MSAPMSUP390A Use structured problem solving tools

MEM15001B Perform basic statistical quality control.

This unit is related to MSACMT281A Implement a predictive maintenance strategy as root cause analysis is one tool used in predictive maintenance.

What method of assessment should apply?

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.

The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.

The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of the assessment.

What evidence is required for demonstration of consistent performance?

Generally a range of root cause analysis activities will be required in order to generate sufficient evidence.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

analysis

problem solving

communication

documenting

Required knowledge

root cause analysis methodology

indicators of a problem

principles of the process sufficient to undertake a RCA and propose solutions

use of relevant analysis tools (eg cause/effect diagrams, Pareto charts, 4W)

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Root cause

There are many possible causes of any problem. Eliminating some will have no impact, others will ameliorate the problem. However, elimination of the root cause will eliminate the problem. There should only be one root cause for any problem and so the analysis should continue until this one cause is found. Elimination of the root cause permanently eliminates the problem.

Cause tree

The series of causes is referred to as the cause tree. Not all root causes are accessible and able to be eliminated. Breaking the cause tree is such a way that the problem cannot recur is an acceptable alternative.

Not all situations can wait for the root cause analysis and eventual elimination of the root cause as there are serious current impacts. The quick fix will control these immediate impacts, but does not eliminate the root cause.

Uptime

Uptime refers to the overall availability of the plant - it is the inverse of downtime - or the unavailability of the plant. Ideal uptime is 100%.

Appropriate techniques/charts

Appropriate techniques/charts may include the following:

control charts

Pareto charts

run charts

flow charts

cause and effect diagrams

tree diagrams

4W analysis.

Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE)

Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) is the combination of the main factors causing loss of productive capacity from equipment/plant and is:

OEE = availability x performance x quality rate

where:

availability takes into account losses due to breakdown, set up and adjustments

performance takes into account losses due to minor stoppages, reduced speed and idling

quality rate takes into account t losses due to rejects, re-works and start up waste.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify equipment/plant characteristics indicative of a problem 
Identify process conditions/product characteristics indicative of a problem 
Use appropriate techniques/charts to define the problem 
Recommend/implement a quick fix within the scope of competency and authority 
Use technology or processes relevant to the problem to implement quick fix 
Identify a range of possible causes 
Gather information to eliminate/confirm causes 
Construct a cause and effect diagram from available data 
Seek assistance as required 
Identify root cause 
Identify a range of methods of eliminating the root cause/ breaking the cause tree 
Select the most appropriate solution 
Liaise with relevant people 
Recommend or implement solution within the limits of competency and authority 
Monitor impact of solution and make further recommendations as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSACMT280A - Undertake root cause analysis
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSACMT280A - Undertake root cause analysis

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: