Root cause and analysis

The cause-and-effect diagram, also known as the Ishikawa diagram or fishbone diagram, is a visual tool used to analyse the causes contributing to a specific effect or problem. It helps identify the root causes of an issue by breaking it down into various categories and subcategories. Here's how the cause-and-effect diagram works:

1. Identify the Effect or Problem:

Begin by clearly defining the effect or problem you want to analyse. This should be a specific outcome or issue that you want to understand better. 

2. Draw the Main "Fishbone":

Draw a horizontal line across the centre of your paper or whiteboard. At the end of this line, draw a shape that resembles a fishbone, with the effect or problem written inside it. The horizontal line represents the backbone of the fish. 

3. Identify Categories:

On the diagonal lines extending from the backbone, write down the major categories or factors that could contribute to the effect or problem. Common categories include people, processes, materials, machines, measurement, and environment. These categories can vary depending on the specific context of your analysis. 

4. Brainstorm Potential Causes:

For each category, brainstorm and identify the potential causes that could contribute to the effect or problem. These causes should be specific and actionable. Write them as branches extending from the corresponding category line. 

5. Analyse Subcategories and Causes:

For each identified cause, dig deeper by analysing subcategories or sub-causes that could be contributing factors. Add these as smaller branches stemming from the main cause branches.

6. Determine Root Causes:

Continue analysing and breaking down the causes into subcategories until you reach a level where no further breakdown is possible. This helps identify the root causes or underlying factors that directly contribute to the effect or problem. 

7. Analyse Relationships:

Once the diagram is complete, analyse the relationships between the causes and the effect. Look for patterns, connections, or commonalities among the causes. This analysis will help prioritize the most critical causes and determine where corrective actions should be focused. 

8. Take Action:

Based on the analysis, develop, and implement appropriate actions to address the root causes. This might involve process improvements, policy changes, training programs, or other interventions aimed at resolving the identified issues. 

The cause-and-effect diagram is an effective tool for visualizing complex problems and understanding the relationships between causes and their effects. It encourages a structured and systematic approach to problem-solving, enabling teams to identify and address the underlying causes rather than merely treating symptoms. 

Prepare, plan, and  success.

The cause-and-effect diagram is an effective tool for visualizing complex problems and understanding the relationships between causes and their effects. It encourages a structured and systematic approach to prior to execution, enabling teams to identify and address the consequences before they happen.

Here's a step-by-step explanation of how the cause-and-effect diagram works when applying post-delivery analysis of a decision: 

1. Identify the decision:

Begin by clearly defining the decision you want to analyse. This should be a specific outcome or issue that you want to understand better. 

2. Draw the Main "Fishbone":

Draw a horizontal line across the centre of your paper or whiteboard. At the end of this line, draw a shape that resembles a fishbone, with the effect or problem written inside it. The horizontal line represents the backbone of the fish. 

3. Identify Categories:

On the diagonal lines extending from the backbone, write down the major categories or factors that could contribute to the effect or problem. Common categories include people, processes, materials, machines, measurement, and environment. These categories can vary depending on the specific context of your analysis. 

4. Brainstorm Potential Consequences:

For each category, brainstorm and identify the potential consequences that could contribute to the effect. These consequences should be specific and actionable. Write them as branches extending from the corresponding category line. 

5. Analyse Subcategories and Causes:

For each identified consequence, dig deeper by analysing subcategories or sub-causes that could be contributing factors. Add these as smaller branches stemming from the main cause branches. 

6. Determine Root Causes:

Continue analysing and breaking down the consequences into subcategories until you reach a level where no further breakdown is possible. This helps identify the root causes or underlying factors that may directly contribute to an effect or problem. 

7. Analyse Relationships:

Once the diagram is complete, analyse the relationships between the causes and the effect. Look for patterns, connections, or commonalities among the causes. This analysis will help prioritize the most critical consequences and determine where corrective actions should be focused. 

8. Take Action:

Based on the analysis, develop, and implement appropriate actions to address the consequences. This might involve process improvements, policy changes, training programs, or other interventions aimed at resolving the identified issues. 

The cause-and-effect diagram is an effective tool for visualizing complex problems and understanding the relationships between causes and their effects. It encourages a structured and systematic approach to prior to execution, enabling teams to identify and address the consequences before they happen.