For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

A Cause and Effect Diagram (also called a Fish bone Diagram or Ishikawa Diagram) is used to provide a pictorial display of a list in which you identify and organise possible causes of problems, or factors needed to ensure success of some effort. It is an effective tool that allows people to easily see the relationship between factors to study, processes, situations, and for planning.

The Cause and Effect Diagram aims to show all the causes leading to some head event. The issues in a Cause and Effect Diagram are often derived from a brainstorming session followed by the development of an Affinity Diagram.

The primary branch represents the effect (the quality characteristic that is intended to be improved and controlled) and is labelled on the right side of the diagram. Each major branch of the diagram corresponds to a major cause (or class of causes) that directly relates to the effect. Minor branches correspond to more detailed causal factors.

This type of diagram is useful in any analysis, as it illustrates the relationship between cause and effect in a rational manner.

Start your own Cause and Effect Diagram by downloading this template in PowerPoint and keying in your information.

  • Cause & Effect Diagram Template PPT ~83KB

Figure 1: Example of a Cause & Effect Diagram
Reasons why patients are not on a standardised anticoagulation pathway

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

To learn more about Cause and Effect Diagrams please refer to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement website. You may need to take a moment and register with the IHI for more in-depth information.

  • Cause & Effect Diagrams ~5 mins

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For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

Identifying the relationship between events and things is required when solving a problem, where possible causes are inspected to know their effect in an effort to generate the possible causes of a problem and minimize them.

For this purpose, a visualization tool called the fishbone diagram is used to list all of the possible causes and effects of the problem at hand, sorting them into categories, identifying root causes, and finding their solutions.

In this article, we will explain what is a fishbone diagram, when to use it, the elements of a fishbone analysis, how to make a fishbone diagram, and a fishbone diagram example.

Lastly, we will also discuss how a fishbone diagram can be presented, with bonus templates that can be used to construct a fishbone diagram to determine cause and effects and come up with a solution to the problem.

What is a Fishbone Diagram?

A fishbone diagram is a visualization tool, developed by Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa, a quality control specialist, for identifying the root causes of a problem, categorizing them, and generating solutions.

Also called the Ishikawa diagram, or cause and effect diagram, the fishbone analysis is often used in troubleshooting and product development processes where teams need to focus on a problem statement.

The fishbone diagram has categories with branches that detail the causes of the problem; it looks like the skeleton of a fish, hence the name “Fishbone.” Each bone of the fish branches out into smaller bones to address the root causes of a large problem.

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis
Example of Fishbone diagram

When to Use a Fishbone Diagram?

A fishbone diagram is used to conduct a cause-and-effect analysis. It enables teams to identify potential and real causes that are further investigated to determine the root cause. It can be used when,

  • Managers need to identify the root cause of a problem
  • Supervisors try to understand contributing factors of any system or process failure
  • Collaborative team brainstorming is required for problem-solving
  • Streamlining an existing workflow by uncovering bottlenecks
  • Improve output quality and efficiency

Elements of the Fishbone Diagram

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis
Key elements of the Fishbone Diagram

Manpower: Human Resources

Anything related to people that are involved with the process relevant to the problem statement. Manpower commonly includes operators, employees, maintenance teams, supervisors, and quality control specialists.

Machine: Facilities and Equipment

This includes machines used in the process, including all facilities and equipment that may be causing the problem. The causes can be associated with maintenance, usage, and assembly of equipment that could result in bottlenecks.

Method: Processes

Any standardized methods set by supervisors might not be followed by operators accurately. The instructions need to be evaluated to ensure all processes are clear to the team and all areas of operation are described in detail.

Material: Supplies and Resources

All supplies and resources used in the production or process are reviewed to determine their effect. Material defects, mishandling, low quality, and lack of proper inspection can result in problems further along the process.

Measurement: Quality Control

Techniques and tools used to measure quality standards are also a part of the fishbone analysis. Parts and processes need to be analyzed to determine whether they meet the quality control standards set in place, and all problems need to be reviewed to determine the root cause of the problem.

Mother Nature: Environment

When searching for a root cause, the environment plays a crucial role in production processes, whether it is the external factors of the production area or the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. The production facilities must be able to handle the environment without having any negative impact on the production or process for a streamlined workflow.

How to Construct a Fishbone Diagram for Cause and Effect Analysis?

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis
How to Construct a Fishbone Diagram for Cause and Effect Analysis

Draft a Clear Problem Statement

For constructing a fishbone diagram, a clear problem statement needs to be drafted to test causes in order to determine what’s causing the problem and present a solution.

During analysis, the problem statement is written at the right side of the fishbone, at the head of the fish. The problem is the effect, and the causes need to be categorized in the next step.

Identify Major Categories

Major categories that are involved in the process or procedure relevant to the problem need to be identified. The categories are connected to the backbone of the fish diagram.

Commonly, the 6M’s, as stated above, are used for the categorization of the causes, while the number of categories is not limited, and it can include different categories relevant to the problem.

Work Out Possible Contributing Factors

After categorization, possible contributing factors need to be brainstormed and attached to the appropriate category or the “rib.” Managers can create a list of causes and then attach them to the relevant rib, or some may find it easier to place ideas on the respective category as they are generated.

Some causes could also fit into multiple categories, which helps analyze the factor from different perspectives. Keep asking what’s causing the problem and evaluate each factor. The fishbone branches out into multiple ribs as more causes come to light.

Analyze the Diagram and Investigate

When the fishbone diagram is constructed with the problem, categories, and causes, the analysis of the diagram is required to understand why that factor is occurring. This can be done by asking the team why questions, typically known as the five whys and is usually represented in a root cause analysis presentation.

Asking five questions is usually enough to reach a root cause, while in some factors, more than five questions may be needed.

Check for Root Causes That Need to be Addressed

Lastly, as the root causes come to light after analyzing the fishbone diagram, they need to be addressed to minimize or eliminate the problem. What’s next is generating workable solutions that need to be implemented as a top priority.

Alternative to Fishbone Diagram

A popular alternative to the fishbone diagram is the 5 whys method that is used for conducting a root cause analysis. The quality control tool can be used individually and even in combination with the fishbone diagram to determine the problem, its origin, why it happened, and most importantly, figure out how the chances of the problem recurring can be reduced.

The 5 whys fishbone analysis helps determine the causes of the problem and finds out the root causes. A set of 5 why questions lead the team to dig deeper into the problem, speed up the problem-solving process, and enable them to take action to prevent it from happening in the future.

Example of Fishbone Diagram

Problem Statement:

In the first quarter of 2022, reported defects in production increased to 20%.

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis
Example of Fishbone Diagram

Manpower:

  • Unskilled Labor
  • Lack of consistent training
  • Failure to follow instructions
  • Demotivated workers

Method:

  • Unclear procedures
  • Lack of quality control policy

Measurement:

  • Errors in calculations

Machine:

  • Lack of proper maintenance
  • Machine set to overproduction

Materials:

  • Low-quality suppliers
  • No proper warehouse

Mother Nature:

  • Humid weather
  • Increased Temperatures

How to Present a Fishbone Analysis?

The purpose of a Fishbone Diagram Template is to inform the audience about the various problems affecting the company in a specific industry, and in turn, persuade them to present a plan of action to solve those problems.

A fishbone diagram can be visualized on paper, whiteboards, and even digitally with the help of digital whiteboards and presentations.

We recommend using Slide Model’s professionally designed 100% editable templates for PowerPoint and Google Slides to conduct a fishbone analysis.

From flat modern elements to a 3D perspective fishbone diagram, several different templates can be used for conducting a root cause analysis, addressing problems, and presenting a solution to the team.

Templates for Presenting a Fishbone Diagram

Here we have compiled a list of 100% editable fishbone diagram presentation templates that you can use for preparing presentations for cause & effect analysis.

1. Fishbone Infographic PowerPoint Diagram

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

A fishbone infographic PowerPoint template is a creative depiction of the Ishikawa diagram. The bone structure is made for presenting 4 categories, identifying causes, and analyzing their effects to get to the root of any problem.

Use This Template

2. Fishbone Diagram Template 3D Perspective

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

3D perspective fishbone template for PowerPoint and Google Slides is for conducting a cause and effect analysis in an appealing way and determining the root cause of the problem. Most likely factors can be presented with a proper analysis, while less impactful causes can be trimmed to reach the conclusion.

Use This Template

3. Animated 3D Fishbone PowerPoint Template

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

Another 3D template for the fishbone analysis that is fully compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides can help managers present the root cause in any professional setting. The fishbone diagram is combined with 3D animations to create a realistic perspective making the RCA analysis interesting for the team.

Use This Template

4. Flat Fishbone Diagram for PowerPoint

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

This flat fishbone template is a professional presentation diagram for determining factors that are contributing to the problem. The analysis can be presented and summarized easily, while the template can also be used during real-time brainstorming sessions to create the fishbone diagram.

Use This Template

5. Cause and Effects PowerPoint Infographic Template

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

This cause and effect analysis template is for presenting a comprehensive look at the categories and their causes to determine the root cause of the problem. Fully customizable and compatible with PowerPoint and Google Slides, the template is a flat-vector-based Ishikawa diagram that enables teams to discuss project issues and drill down to the root cause of the problem.

Use This Template

6. Realistic Fishbone Diagram Template for PowerPoint

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

The realistic fish illustration in this fishbone template for PowerPoint and Google Slides can be used for analyzing problems, identifying root causes, and presenting solutions. Complex problems can be broken down to assist users in brainstorming and coming up with creative solutions for solving the problem.

Use This Template

7. Fishbone Template for PowerPoint

For what purpose would a cause and effect diagram be used during a root cause analysis

Another creative presentation template for the fishbone diagram that is helpful for conducting a root cause analysis (RCA) and presenting the cause and effect analysis results. The simple fish design makes the presentation engaging and memorable for the audience.

Use This Template

Conclusion

The fishbone analysis is a powerful tool for brainstorming potential causes of any problem and drilling down to the root cause for presenting a solution. It gives managers and teams a holistic look at the process categories and their issues and enables them to focus on areas that need to be fixed in order to minimize or eliminate the problem.

Our 100% editable fishbone diagram templates and root cause analysis templates made for PowerPoint and Google Slides are helpful for making professional presentations that can be used during brainstorming sessions, and also when presenting the solution after conducting the root cause analysis.

The simple to use, visual problem-solving tool is made to take corrective action with accurate analysis that can only be done while looking at the whole picture and improve processes by providing a framework for solving complex problems.

What is the main purpose of using a cause and effect diagram?

A cause and effect diagram is a visual map that functions as a problem-solving tool. As the name suggests, its main purpose is to help you identify the cause of a troubling situation in relation to the effect (or results) you've observed.

Why would a team use a cause and effect diagram during a root cause analysis?

A cause and effect diagram, often called a “fishbone” diagram, can help in brainstorming to identify possible causes of a problem and in sorting ideas into useful categories.

What is the main purpose of using a cause and effect diagram quizlet?

The fishbone diagram or Ishikawa diagram, also known as the cause and effect diagram, is used to identify the cause of a specific problem.

What is the purpose of cause and effect diagrams why are they useful How are cause categories selected How is data developed and analyzed?

A cause and effect diagram examines why something happened or might happen by organizing potential causes into smaller categories. It can also be useful for showing relationships between contributing factors. One of the Seven Basic Tools of Quality, it is often referred to as a fishbone diagram or Ishikawa diagram.