What is Fish Bone
Diagram
A fishbone diagram, also known as
an Ishikawa diagram or a cause-and-
effect diagram, is a visualization tool
for categorizing the potential causes
of a problem. This tool is used to
identify a problem's root causes
A fishbone diagram, also known as
an Ishikawa diagram or a cause-and-
effect diagram, is a visualization tool
for categorizing the potential causes
of a problem. This tool is used to
identify a problem's root causes
🐟 What is a Cause and Effect Chart in
PMP?
A Cause and Effect Diagram is a visual tool used
to identify, explore, and display potential
causes of a specific problem or quality issue.
It’s shaped like a fishbone, where:
The "head" is the effect (problem you're
solving).
The "bones" are categories of root causes.
It’s commonly used during Root Cause Analysis
in quality and risk management.
✅ Where it fits in PMP?
PMP Process Knowledge Area
Quality
Manage Quality
Management
Quality
Control Quality
Management
Identify Risks Risk Management
🔁 Common Cause Categories in
Projects:
People (team skills, training)
Process (methods, steps, workflow)
Equipment (tools, software)
Materials (input quality)
Environment (office conditions,
regulations)
Management (policies, priorities)
Here are some example scenarios of how this
diagram might be used:
1. Low Product Quality in a Manufacturing Process
Effect: Poor Product Quality
Causes:
Methods:
Inefficient production processes
Machines: Inconsistent work instructions
Equipment malfunction
Lack of maintenance
Materials:
Poor-quality raw materials
People: Variability in materials
Lack of training
Worker errors
Environment:
Poor lighting
Measurement: Temperature fluctuations
Inaccurate measurements
Lack of proper testing tools
Another example
2. Customer Service Delays
Effect: Customer Service Delays
Causes:
People:
Lack of staffing Processes:
Inadequate training Slow approval procedures
Inefficient communication channels
Technology:
Outdated software systems
Slow website or app performance
Policy:
Strict service response policies
Lengthy escalation procedures
Environment:
High customer demand during peak times
Limited working hours
3.Employee Turnover
Effect: High Employee Turnover
Causes:
Work Conditions:
Management:
Unhealthy work environment
Poor leadership
High stress
Lack of recognition
Salary:
Below-market wages
Career Development:
Lack of benefits
Limited growth opportunities
Lack of training programs
Work-Life Balance:
Long hours
Inflexible schedules
These are just a few examples of how you
might use a Cause and Effect Diagram in
various industries or scenarios. The key is
to categorize the causes under relevant
headers (like People, Processes, Materials,
etc.) to help pinpoint where
improvements need to be made.
🔧 Steps to Create a Fishbone Diagram
1. Define the Problem (Effect)
Clearly identify and write down the main issue or
effect you're trying to solve.
Place this at the head (right-hand side) of the
"fish."
🧠 Tip: Use a clear, concise problem statement like
“Late Deliveries” or “Low Sales Performance.”
2. Draw the Backbone and Main Branches
Draw a horizontal line (the fish’s spine) pointing
to the problem (the head).
Add diagonal lines (the major ribs or bones)
branching off the spine—these represent main
categories of causes.
Common categories (you can adjust depending on
your situation):
People (human-related causes)
Processes/Methods (how things are done)
Machines (equipment/tools)
Materials (inputs/resources)
Measurements (data/reports)
Environment (external/internal physical or
social factors)
3. Brainstorm Possible Causes
For each category, brainstorm specific causes
that might contribute to the effect.
Add these as smaller branches stemming from
the main ribs.
Example: Under “People,” a cause might be
“insufficient training.”
4. Ask "5 Why?"
For each potential cause, ask 5 times “Why is
this happening?” to drill down to the root cause.
You can add sub-branches to show layers of
contributing factors.
5. Review and Analyze
Examine the diagram with your team or
stakeholders.
Identify the most likely root causes.
Prioritize which causes to investigate or
address first.
6. Take Action
Use the insights from your diagram to
develop corrective actions or solutions.
Implement, monitor, and adjust as needed.
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