Cause and Effect Diagram

Graphically illustrates the relationship between a given outcome and all the factor that influence this outcome. Sometimes called an Ishikawa or “fishbone diagram.” It helps show the relationship of the parts (and sub-parts) to the whole by:

• Determining the factor that cause a positive or negative outcome (or effect)
• Focusing on a specific issue without resorting to complaints and irrelevant discussion
• Determining the root causes of a given effect
• Identifying areas where there is a lack of data

How to use:

Specific the effect to be analyzed. The effect can be positive (objectives) or negative (problems). Place it in a box on the right side of the diagram.

--------------------> Problem

List the major categories of the factors that influence the effect being studied. The “4Ms” (methods, manpower, people, plant are commonly used as a starting point.