FISHBONE ANALYSIS

KATHLEEN MAE DURAN

What is Fishbone Analysis?
• A fishbone diagram is a visualization tool for categorizing the
potential causes of a problem. This tool is used in order to identify a
problem's root causes. Typically used for root cause analysis, a
fishbone diagram combines the practice of brainstorming with a
type of mind map template.
• Ishikawa diagrams are causal diagrams created by Kaoru Ishikawa
that show the potential causes of a specific event. Common uses of
the Ishikawa diagram are product design and quality defect
prevention to identify potential factors causing an overall effect.
A cause-effect diagram is a visual tool used to logically organize possible
causes for a specific problem or effect by graphically displaying them in
increasing detail, suggesting causal relationships among theories.
How does a Fishbone Diagram Work?
• The fishbone diagram technique combines brainstorming and mind mapping to discover the cause and
effect relationship of an underlying problem. It pushes you to consider nearly every possible cause of an
issue instead of just getting stuck on the most obvious ones.

WHEN TO USE A FISHBONE DIAGRAM?

• When identifying possible causes for a problem

• When a team’s thinking tends to fall into ruts

• 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. A fishbone
diagram is a visual way to look at cause and effect.
How do you use a Fishbone Diagram?
1. Agree on a problem statement (effect). Write it at the center right of the flipchart
or whiteboard. Draw a box around it and draw a horizontal arrow running to it.
2. Brainstorm the major categories of causes of the problem. If this is difficult use
generic headings:
• Methods
• Machines (equipment)
• People (manpower)
• Materials
• Measurement
• Environment
3. Write the categories of causes as branches from the
main arrow.
4. Brainstorm all the possible causes of the problem. Ask "Why does
this happen?" As each idea is given, the facilitator writes it as a
branch from the appropriate category. Causes can be written in
several places if they relate to several categories.
5. Again ask "Why does this happen?" about each cause. Write sub-
causes branching off the causes. Continue to ask "Why?" and
generate deeper levels of causes. Layers of branches indicate causal
relationships.
6. When the group runs out of ideas, focus attention to places on the
chart where ideas are few.
FISHBONE DIAGRAM EXAMPLE
This fishbone diagram was drawn by a manufacturing team to try to understand the source of periodic iron contamination. The team used the six generic headings to prompt ideas. Layers of branches show thorough thinking about the causes of the problem.
Steps to develop a Fishbone Diagram
• Determine the problem statement (also referred to as the effect). This is written
at the mouth of the “fish.” Be as clear and specific as you can about the problem.
Beware of defining the problem in terms of a solution (e.g., we need more of
something).
• Identify the major categories of causes of the problem (written as branches from
the main arrow). Major categories often include: equipment or supply factors,
environmental factors, rules/policy/procedure factors, and people/staff factors.
• Brainstorm all the possible causes of the problem. Ask “Why does this happen?”
As each idea is given, the facilitator writes the causal factor as a branch from the
appropriate category (places it on the fishbone diagram). Causes can be written
in several places if they relate to several categories.
• Find out “Why does this happen?” about each cause. Write
sub-causes branching off the cause branches.

• Continues to analyze “Why?” to generate deeper levels of causes and

continue organizing them under related causes or categories. This will
help you to identify and then address root causes to prevent future
problems.
The 5 WHY’s of Root-Cause Analysis
Lucy Heartfilia is late for work.