Using Fishbone Diagrams as Problem Solving Tools
Factory Improvement Programme. (2008). Using Fishbone Diagrams as Problem Solving Tools. Retrieved from http://www.ilofip.org/GPGs/Fishbone%20Diagrams.pdf
Ishikawa Diagram
Purpose
Ishikawa Diagram
Purpose
This article is a training publication produced by the Factory Improvement Programme (FIP). FIP provides workshops and on-site assistance on quality, environmental impact, human resources, and safety issues. It describes the both the uses of Ishikawa diagrams and the process of developing one to “identify, sort, display and analyse possible causes of a specific problem.”
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
> A structured approach to help identify the root causes of a problem.
> Collects organizational knowledge of a process and helps participants learn more about other facets of the process.
> Easy to follow graphic format.
> Ability to illustrate potential variations in the process as well as intelligence gaps.
Weaknesses
> Not having enough input will result in a diagram that is not exhaustive enough to put to good use.
Description
The Factory Improvement Programme describes development of a fishbone diagram in eight steps:
1. Decide on a specific problem to analyze.
1. Decide on a specific problem to analyze.
2. Define the problem and its characteristics.
3. Identify the main cause categories related to the problem (machine, method, material, etc.).
4. Brainstorm potential causes under each category.
5. Add detail with secondary causes.
6. Consider each identified cause, and ask, “Why does this happen?” If other factors impact the cause, add that to the diagram.
7. Study the diagram – it should help you identify root causes and contributing factors.
8. After closely examining one area, observe other processes to see if knowledge gained from this process can be applied to other problems.
Uses
Prospective uses for fishbone diagrams include studying a specific issue to identify the root cause; exploring all potential reasons why a process may encounter problems or breakdowns; identifying intelligence gaps for further data collection; and analyzing why a process may not be producing the desired result.
Comparison
This article describes fishbone diagrams in a similar manner to other articles on the topic and has a slight slant toward the needs of factory managers. It is written in clear, jargon-free language without oversimplifying the process too much for practitioners.
Sources Cited
Comparison
This article describes fishbone diagrams in a similar manner to other articles on the topic and has a slight slant toward the needs of factory managers. It is written in clear, jargon-free language without oversimplifying the process too much for practitioners.
Sources Cited
No outside sources are identified in this publication which does diminish its overall authority; however, the content is in-line with many other sources on the topic and does not show significant bias.
Most Informative
This publication is helpful for new managers and focuses on the fishbone diagrams for quality management not only as one-time projects but also as working documents.
Source Author
The Factory Improvement Programme (FIP) is a project of the International Labour Organization (ILO) currently helping factories in China , India , Indonesia , South Africa , Ghana , and Colombia
Source Reliability
Medium credibility
Critique AuthorKenda Puchalski, kenda.puchalski@gmail.com, “
Kenda,
ReplyDeleteI really like the look of your source critique blog, especially the example diagram at the right. I believe that it looks very professional and to the point. The source that you chose for this week's assignment seems to be very useful and informative for people who are learning how to do a fishbone diagram. I appreciate the information and the simple explanation, since I am not familiar with this method.
source is something that will help explain to those of us that do not use the fishbone diagram on a daily basis, how to utilize it correctly. Thank you.
Donna