Source Critique 5

Fishbone (Cause-and-Effect) Diagram
EMRA. (1998). Fishbone (Cause-and-Effect) Diagram. In Data Analysis Core Competencies. Retrieved from https://www.indiana.edu/~istr561/knuth/pdfs/21_Fishbone_Diagram.pdf


Ishikawa Diagram

Purpose
This article is a unit from a training manual on data analysis tools that appears to have been produced for professional development and/or classroom instruction. Each step of the process of developing an Ishikawa diagram is further broken down into sub-steps allowing readers with no prior knowledge of the technique to be able to successfully implement it in real-world scenarios.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths

>> Fishbone diagrams can be used effectively in a variety of industries and business sectors.

>> Generally, the process can be completed in a short timeframe (one to two hours).

>> Group participation means the team is likely to remain positive and own the results.

>> The methodology requires no special tools and little training for implementation.

>> The graphic interface makes it easy for users to observe relationships among causes and effects.

Weaknesses

>> Potential causes are not identified in any particular order.

>> Causes are not associated with additional characteristics, such as magnitude or probability.

>> Depending on requirements, the process may need to be completed several times with different, comparable groups to assure the validity of results.

Description
The Data Analysis Core Competencies training module details nine steps for developing a fishbone diagram:

1.  Select subject matter experts to contribute to development of the diagram.

2.  Define the effect for analysis.

3.  Draw the basis for the fishbone diagram on a flipchart or whiteboard. 

4.  Identify “Cause Categories” and label them along the backbone of the diagram.

5.  Identify causes that comprise each category.

6.  Add causes to the diagram.

7.  Discuss each cause and build consensus regarding potential root causes.

8.  Discuss completed diagram, interrelated processes, and potential plans of action.

9.  Follow up as necessary and distribute findings. 

Uses

This article describes the process of developing Ishikawa diagrams in a more-detailed but similar manner to other articles on the topic. The content has a slight slant toward needs analysis making it more human-centered than previously reviewed sources; however, the training module includes example diagrams that clearly demonstrate production issues and processes.  

Sources Cited
Arcaro, J. (1995). Quality in Education: An Implementation Handbook. Delray Beach, FL: St. Lucie.EMRA recommends cause-and-effect diagramming as a simple but effective method for identifying potential causes of outcomes or key drivers of performance indicators. This organization also promotes the cause-and-effect diagram as an analytical tool especially well-suited for performing needs analysis and for finding out what additional research is necessary before root causes can be identified. 

Comparison

Swanson, R. (1995). The Quality Improvement Handbook: Team Guide to Tools and Techniques. Delray Beach, FL: St. Lucie.

Witkin, R. and J. Altschuld (1995). Planning and Conducting Needs Assessments. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Most Informative

The author of these data analysis training modules is undetermined. They appear to have been published by an organization by the name of EMRA, but this acronym identifies multiple organizations. Despite the unverified author, the training modules have a professional appearance, have been widely distributed on the Internet, and have been included in several bibliographies and classroom reading lists. This module is particularly helpful for new group facilitators and contains both best practices and areas of caution for leading Ishikawa diagramming sessions. It is also the first reviewed resources to mention that multiple diagrams could be produced by different, but comparable, groups allowing decision makers to compare and contrast results.

Source Author

Source Reliability

Kenda Puchalski, kenda.puchalski@gmail.com, “Mercyhurst College, Erie PA, Advanced Analytic Techniques Course,” 6 January 2011.Medium credibility

Critique Author