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What |
The Fishbone Diagram or the Ishikawa Diagram, also known as the Cause-and-Effect Diagram, is a tool used for identifying and presenting the possible causes of a particular problem in visual format. |
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| Why |
The Fishbone is employed as a tool for collating information relating to the causes of the problem which needs addressing. It is a systematic and visual approach with the input for the diagram usually coming from a brainstorming session. It enables a team or group to focus on why the problem occurs, and not on the history or symptoms of the problem, or other topics that can cause a group to digress from the discussion. It also a great tool to capture a 'snap-shot' of the collective thoughts of the group as a whole. |
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| How |
The Diagram resembles a fishbone in its construction - it has a box (the 'fish head') that contains the statement of the problem at one end. From this box originates the 'fish spine' or the main branch of the diagram. Sticking out of the spine are the bones where major causes are organized. Minor causes are placed along these bones. Experienced users of the diagram often add more branches.. How does this tool operate? 1. Prepare the basic framework of the Fishbone Diagram on a a whiteboard or a flipchart; 2. Define the problem that needs to be addressed and write it in clear and simple terms in the fish head of the diagram; 3. Collaboratively define the categories of the major branches and write these at the tips of the major bones. These headings could be developed through a brainstorming session or from using an Affinity Diagram, which focuses on the problem in the fish’s head. 4. Tease out the Major Causes by further brainstorming adding these ideas and suggestions to the smaller bones on the diagram. 5. Interpret the Fishbone Diagram once it's finished.
The fastest and simplest way to do this is to have the group prioritise or for the group to choose the top five causes on the diagram and rank them The selection of the major causes may be done by voting or any other process that allows the group to agree on the ranking. The selected causes are then encircled on the diagram, with their ranks written beside them. Once identified the facilitator will need to determine a process to enable further investigation of these causes.
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| Samples |
* Study the causes
of global warming |
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| Downloads |
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