Apollo Root Cause Analysis: New Way of Thinking

Apollo is the name given by the author to his unique approach to root cause analysis. I'm assuming this (Apollo) explains why there is a naked man on the cover, either that or this is the most unique author photo I have ever seen. The book focuses on causal relationships, emphasizing that there are often many causes (factors) contributing to an undesirable outcome. The author's insights on casual relationships and human behavior are extraordinary, it is obvious he is passionate about this topic and has had extensive experience with it. In addition to explaining " A new way of thinking", the author details specific tools (his own version of a cause-and-effect chart) that are the core of the Apollo method. And just when I started thinking that it would be great if there was software available to do this, he mentions that he has such a product available. There were a few things I didn't like about the book. In fact, after receiving the book, the combination of the naked dude on the cover (which still creeps me out) and the opening paragraph in the "How to read this book" section which you just have to say "Duh!" to, almost convinced me to not read the book at all. In addition, the branding of "Apollo" throughout the book ( frequent references to "the Apollo method", "the Apollo process", "Apollo tools") made some sections read like scripts from an infomercial. These are minor gripes though, and I'm glad I got by them and took the time to read this excellent book

After several years of pumping equipment failure analysis engineering, this is by far the best book I've read about the failure analysis and problem solving process. Dean Gano's approach covers the full spectrum of associated issues in a very efficient and flexible manner. He challenges a lot of failure analysis "conventional wisdom" in a very convincing manner, truly creating "a new way of thinking" that should greatly improve failure solutions.

Dean Gano presents the most comprehensive philosophy towards problem solving that I have ever encountered. He sheds the first light on classic problem solving snafus such as story-telling, our failure to identify conditional causes, and why categorization schemes will always lead us away from creative solutions. Gano has identified the common thread that is inherent in all problems (the principle of cause and effect) and provides the reader with a comprehensive tool that allows effective solutions to be created for any problem, from minor incident to catastrophic failure. This is a great book for anyone who is serious about preventing recurrence and jumpstarting process improvement. A word of warning...organizations and individuals that rely on old-school office politics and strong-arm tactics as problem solving strategies beware! Gano is the first to install power into the concept of empowerment.

This book provides a clear & logical guide to understanding & solving problems of all kinds. It is very accessible, provides a good understanding at a first reading and becomes an excellent 'refresher' at second & subsequent readings. I highly recommend it to promote a new way of thinking about problems. It is appropriate for all sorts of problems, including Health & Safety, Maintenance, Reliability, Customer Service Issues, Quality, etc.

Apollo Root Cause Analysis is the right process for anyone interested in successful problem solving. This book is easy to read and describes a problem solving method that is practical and highly effective. Dean Gano's chapter "Set Up To Fail" provides a great explanation of why many of the conventional problem solving tools do not result in workable solutions. The cause and effect principle (Chapter 2) is a powerful concept and the important step of supporting each "caused by" with evidence makes this methodology unique. Chapter 4 discusses "Identifying Effective Solutions". Gano's definition of an effective solution is one that prevents recurrence, is within the control of stakeholders (those that have the authority and responsibility to implement the solution) and that meets goals and objectives. A considerable amount of information packed into 184 pages. The author provides new tools that allow the problem solver to develop creative solutions. The Apollo process works! I strongly recommend this book to environmental, health and safety professionals and others that want to improve their problem solving skills. I have provided copies of this book to my entire EHS team.