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Method Selection

No single method fits every case. We choose for yours.

Using the same tool for every problem is why so many investigations stop short. We look at what happened, what evidence exists and what is at stake, then combine the two or three methods that will actually answer your questions.

SEQUENCECAUSESPEOPLEMany steps, many shifts●Worked before, failed now●●Defences failed●Someone "made a mistake"●●

Build your method plan

Describe your case. See the methods we would combine.

Tick everything that applies to your incident or problem. Illustrative example.

YOUR METHOD PLAN · 4 METHODS

Events & Causal Factors →To put every step on one verified line.Human Factors →To understand why the action made sense at the time.Investigative Interviewing →To get complete accounts without fear.The P3i Causation Model →To trace every cause to the control gap, in every case.Discuss this plan with us
Investigation team planning which methods to use

Since the 1990s

30

years investigating

250+

investigations closed, incl. HiPOs

15

countries served

20+

countries of lead seminars

100+

nationalities trained

Worked example of method selection on a whiteboard
Two or three methods, each answering one question.

Why the choice matters

The wrong tool gives a confident wrong answer.

1

A fishbone cannot show sequence, and a timeline cannot show why a defence decayed.

2

Combining methods gives each finding two independent lines of support.

3

Every plan ends in the P3i Causation Model, so causes always reach a control gap.

Use it for

Planning any serious investigation

Reviewing why past investigations stopped short

Building an investigation standard

On its own it cannot

Replace evidence

Be decided by habit or a template

So we pair it with

The P3i Causation Model →Root Cause Analysis →All methods →

Method names are given for reference. Several are proprietary or trademarked; P3i selects the approach that suits each case and does not claim licensed certification in proprietary methods.

Investigation team working through the analysis
The team, working through the methods together.
Evidence reviewed against the analysis
Each method tested against the evidence.
Findings presented to leadership
One account, whichever methods were used.

Not sure which method your case needs? A first call costs nothing, and we will tell you.

Talk to an investigator WhatsApp

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

  1. 01

    Read the case

    Type of loss, parties, evidence and how much is at stake.

  2. 02

    Choose the combination

    Usually two or three methods, each answering a different question.

  3. 03

    Explain why

    So your team and board understand what the analysis can and cannot prove.

  4. 04

    Run them properly

    By investigators who use them for real, not from a slide.

  5. 05

    Join the answers up

    One account, one set of causes, one plan.

What you receive

Method plan for your caseAnalysisEvidence indexControl gapsAction planBriefing

Call us when

Your team always reaches for 5 WhysA complex event with many partiesYou need findings that survive challengeYou are not sure where to start

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 investigation leads ask about choosing methods.

Why not use one method for everything?

Because each method answers a different question. Relying on one means some questions are never asked.

How many methods does a case need?

Usually two or three, plus the P3i Causation Model to reach the control gaps.

Are proprietary methods required?

No. We use recognised approaches suited to the case and do not claim licensed certification in proprietary methods.

Can you set a standard for our company?

Yes. We can help you define which methods your teams use for which types of event.

Right methods. Real causes.

Discuss a caseTrain your team in RCA
Investigator on site
The case decides the method, not habit.
Evidence being recorded
Evidence first, then the right tools.