Digging Deeper Into Quality Tools Process and Tools Training Toolbook -PQ Systems - -Information in this presentation is derived from PQ Systems

The Cause & Effect Diagram AKA- The Fishbone

Cause & Effect Diagram Quality Tool Book; Page 49 What is it? A picture of various system elements that may contribute to the problem. Helps to identify possible causes of a specified problem (or effect). Used to root causes so that an improvement theory can be tried to fix the problem Solutions should be based on root cause!

Cause & Effect Diagram When is it used? Answer “yes to one or both of these questions: 1. Do root causes of a problem need to be identified? 2. Are there ideas and/or opinions about the causes of a problem?

Cause & Effect Diagram How is it made? 1. Identify the problem. 2. Record the problem statement. 3. Draw and label the main bones. 4. Brainstorm for problem causes. 5. Identify the most likely cause candidates.

Cause & Effect Diagram Remember A graphic way to display a lot of cause information in a compact space Helps move from opinions to theories that can be tested (based on root cause) –Is critical to understanding how to make effective improvements View Cause & Effect Sample (Toolbook p. 51)

PeopleInstructional Materials State/National Requirements Methodology Low Integration of State Test Objectives Across Curriculum Areas Internal resistance to change Lack of knowledge Lack of information Teachers have no knowledge on how to integrate Time Worksheets & games isolate skills State tests divided by content area Identified Problem (effect) Backbone Primary Causal Categories Cause Sub Cause

Fishbone in the Classroom Categorize many potential causes of a problem or issue in an orderly way. It helps to analyze what is really happening in a process. It can help students learn about new processes and procedures in the classroom or school setting.

This is an example of a Fishbone: Washington D.C. Legislative Branch Executive Branch Checks and Balances Judicial Branch

Ways to Use the Cause and Effect Diagram Why are students: not paying attention in class? forgetting their homework? doing the wrong assignment? being late to school? doing poorly on tests? missing school? taking too long to do an assignment? losing papers?

Things to remember about the Fishbone Diagram No judgments made about ideas Everyone will have an opinion/voice about what causes a problem Organizing these ideas improves the chance that good ideas can be tested. Label the “main bones” of the diagram in ways that are best for your problem or event. Customizing is encouraged!

Try It Out Cause and Effect Diagram Work with a partner or your table Brainstorm areas in a classroom that could be improved Select one area for improvement Use the Cause and Effect diagram to figure out possible root causes of the identified problem. Use your tool book p. 49- follow the steps

Try it Out!