Fish Bone
Fish Bone Diagram aso called: Cause-and-Effect Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram
Description:
The Cause and Effect diagram identifies many possible causes for an effect or a problem. Your team can used this to structure a brainstorming session because it immediately sorts ideas into key categories.
When to Use
• When your figuring out the possible factors for a problem.
• When your team’s thinking hits a roadblock.
Procedure:
1-
Agree on the problem (effect). Write it at the center right (Fish Head) of the flipchart or whiteboard. Draw a box around it and draw a
horizontal arrow running to it.
2- Brainstorm the possible major categories of causes of the problem (5M and 1E).
• Methods
• Machines (equipment)
• Manpower (People)
• Materials
• Measurement
• Environment
3- Write the categories of causes as branches from the main arrow.
4-
Brainstorm all the possible factors for each of the major categories. Ask: “Why does this
happen?” As each element is given, write it as a branch from the
appropriate category (5M ). Causes can be written in several places if they relate to several categories.
5-
Again ask “why does this happen?” about each branch from step 4.
Write sub-causes branching off the causes. Continue to ask “Why?” and
generate deeper levels of causes. Layers of branches indicate relationships.
6 After completion, have the team review the diagram. Identify elements that need to be investigated. Circle those items and assign investigation action items to the team.
