Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram)
The Fishbone diagram (also called Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram) is a visual tool for identifying and organizing potential causes of a problem or effect. The diagram resembles a fish skeleton, with the problem statement at the 'head' and major cause categories branching from the 'spine'. Common categories are the 6Ms: Man, Machine, Material, Method, Measurement, and Environment (or 5Ms: Man, Machine, Material, Method, Mother Nature).
Knowledge Check
1.What is another name for the Fishbone diagram?
2.The Fishbone diagram is used to:
3.In the Fishbone diagram, the 'head' of the fish represents:
4.Which of the following is NOT a typical category in the 6Ms of a Fishbone diagram?
5.The Fishbone diagram is a brainstorming tool used to:
6.What is the primary benefit of using a Fishbone diagram?
7.In a Fishbone diagram, the 'spine' connects:
8.Which of the following is NOT a category of causes in a Fishbone diagram?
9.A Fishbone diagram is typically created during which stage of problem-solving?
10.What is a '5-Why' analysis often combined with?