287
The cause-and-effect diagram, also known as a fishbone diagram, cause-and-effect analysis, or Ishikawa diagram, is a graphical tool used to identify and analyze the potential causes of a problem. The diagram takes its name from its appearance, which resembles the skeleton of a fish.
To develop a cause-and-effect diagram, follow these steps:
- Define the problem: Start by clearly defining the problem or issue you are trying to address. This will serve as the “head” of the fishbone.
- Identify the main categories of potential causes: Draw a horizontal line extending from the head of the fishbone and add several angled lines extending from it to represent the main categories of potential causes. These categories will vary depending on the problem you are trying to address, but some common examples include people, processes, equipment, materials, and the environment.
- Brainstorm potential causes: Work with a team to brainstorm potential causes within each category. Write these causes on the appropriate angled line.
- Analyze the causes: Once you have identified potential causes, you can begin to analyze them. Use tools such as the 5 Whys or Pareto analysis to determine which causes most likely contribute to the problem.
- Develop an action plan: Once you have identified the most likely causes of the problem, you can develop an action plan to address them. This might involve changing processes or procedures, improving equipment or materials, or changing the environment.
By following these steps, you can use a cause-and-effect diagram to identify the underlying causes of a problem and develop an effective action plan to address it.
