Fish bone diagram
A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram or an Ishikawa diagram, is a visual tool used in root cause analysis and problem-solving. It helps identify and organize the potential causes of a problem or effect in a structured and systematic way.
The diagram resembles the skeletal structure of a fish, with the “fish head” representing the problem or effect being analyzed, and the “bones” representing the potential causes or contributing factors. These causes are typically categorized into major categories, such as people, processes, materials, equipment, environment, and management, depending on the nature of the problem.
The fishbone diagram is constructed by following these steps:
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Identify the problem or effect: Write the problem or effect being analyzed at the “fish head” on the right side of the diagram.
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Draw the main “backbone”: Draw a horizontal line extending from the “fish head” to the left, representing the main “backbone” of the fish.
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Identify the major cause categories: Draw diagonal lines extending from the “backbone,” representing the major categories of potential causes (e.g., people, processes, materials, equipment, environment, management).
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Identify potential causes: For each major category, brainstorm and list potential causes or contributing factors as smaller “bones” branching off from the corresponding diagonal line.
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Analyze and prioritize causes: Once all potential causes have been identified, analyze and prioritize them based on their likelihood of occurrence, impact, or other relevant criteria.
The fishbone diagram is a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding the relationships between potential causes and the problem or effect being analyzed. It promotes structured thinking, encourages team collaboration, and helps identify root causes that may not be immediately apparent.
By using a fishbone diagram, organizations can effectively analyze and address complex problems, leading to more targeted and effective solutions.
By FabianLange at de.wikipedia
Citations:
Ishikawa, K. (1986). Guide to Quality Control. Asian Productivity Organization.
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