Cause-and-Effect Diagrams

Cause-and-effect diagrams, often called fishbone diagrams, are tools used to identify the various factors that contribute to a problem. They help visualize the relationship between an issue (the "effect") and the potential causes behind it. The main problem is placed at the head of the diagram, while branches represent different categories of causes, such as people, processes, materials, and environment. This visual organization aids teams in brainstorming and analyzing potential sources of issues, ultimately supporting effective problem-solving and decision-making.