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The efforts to this point are arguably pointless if there is no implementation of thecorrective actions the investigation identifies, if any. The speed with which the actionsare implemented will be highly dependent on the complexity of the process and theseriousness of the problem (either in terms of frequency or severity). As important asthe initial implementation of the change itself is, the follow up necessary to ensure that itis actually being used in practice is equally important. Okes describes this as“institutionalization” – making sure that the corrective action becomes the norm becauseit must be used and the former practice cannot be used. 18 Only then can the correctiveaction truly be considered as fully implemented.V. Monitor and Sustain Results“I can give you a six-word formula for success: Think things through – then followthrough” – Eddie Rickenbacker, World War I fighter pilot and aviation pioneerThe best path to success does not include ignoring the results of a given plan. Nomatter the level of effort or expense dedicated to developing a plan of action, it willalways require follow through. Then, and only then, can the action be judged by itsfruits. To cap off a successful root cause analysis, companies must monitor the resultsof any corrective action taken. Ideally, the results will include improved safety,production and reliability with no adverse effect created by the corrective action itself.Efforts to sustain this performance will be obvious – standardization, regulation,designing barriers to prevent fallback habits. As technology and knowledge progress,18 Id. at 117-118.11