1. 1 Analyze : Fishbone diagram

2. 2 Cause-effect diagram - A tool for analyzing process dispersion. It is also referred to as the "Ishikawa diagram," because Kaoru Ishikawa developed it, and the "fishbone diagram," because the complete diagram resembles a fish skeleton. The diagram illustrates the main causes and subcauses leading to an effect (symptom)..

3. 3 Cause-and-Effect Diagram (The Concept) v Once a defect, error, or problem has been identified and isolated for further study, we must begin to analyze potential causes of this undesirable effect. v In situations where causes are not obvious (sometimes they are), the cause-and-effect diagram is a formal tool frequently useful in unlayering potential causes.

4. 4 v Cause-and-effect analysis is an extremely powerful tool. v A highly detailed cause-and-effect diagram can serve as an effective troubleshooting aid. v The construction of this diagram as a team experience tends to get people involved in attacking a problem rather than in affixing blame. Cause-and-Effect Diagram (The Concept)

5. 5 v Define the problem or effect to be analyzed. v Form the team to perform the analysis. Often the team will uncover potential causes through brainstorming. v Draw the effect box and the center line. v Specify the major potential cause categories and join them as boxes connected to the center line. Cause-and-Effect Diagram (The Construction)

6. 6 v Identify the possible causes and classify them into the categories in step 4. Create new categories, if necessary. v Rank order the causes to identify those that seem most likely to impact the problem. v Take corrective action. Cause-and-Effect Diagram (The Construction)