What does 'root cause analysis' aim to achieve?

Root cause analysis aims to identify the underlying reasons for a problem, making it a critical component of effective problem-solving in quality management and continuous improvement processes. By uncovering the root causes, organizations can address the issues at their core rather than just treating symptoms. This practice allows teams to develop solutions that prevent the recurrence of problems, thus improving overall quality and efficiency.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of business operations. Streamlining production schedules is more about optimizing workflow and resource allocation, while evaluating employee performance pertains to workforce management and training. Creating new marketing strategies involves understanding customer needs and market trends, which do not directly relate to diagnosing problems within operational processes. Thus, the primary goal of root cause analysis is effective troubleshooting by identifying problems' origin, ensuring sustainable improvements.