1. Using a Fishbone Diagram PROG 1026: Logic & Problem
Solving
2. Agenda
Workshop Introduction (tonight)
Cause & Effect Introduction (tonight)
Cause & Effect Practice (tonight & Monday)
Cause & Effect Follow-up (Monday)
Wrap-up and Exam Prep (Monday)
3. Workshop Introduction
Why are we looking at C&E?
Problem-Solving, Problem Definition
C&E Tools and Problem Solving Approaches
Process Improvement and Continuous Quality Improvement
Root Causes, not Symptoms
4. Objectives
Help participants to use a Cause and Effect Diagram to increase
the effectiveness of process-improvement and problem-solving
Help participants prepare for, construct and use a Cause and
Effect Diagram
Help participants to become experts in facilitating a group
using a Cause and Effect Diagram
5. Cause & Effect Diagram
Definition: A Cause and Effect Diagram is a tool that helps a
team to identify, explore, and display in increasing detail, all of
the possible causes related to a problem or condition in order to
discover its root cause(s).
Problem Statement
6. Objectives of C&E Analysis
To work as a team to intensively study and understand a
problem, condition, or improvement opportunity, in order to
identify its root cause(s).
To increase team motivation and commitment to solve a problem
by including diverse ideas and creating consensus.
To encourage novel ways of solving problems by creatively
grouping ideas.
To blend creative thinking with data collection and analysis in
the problem-solving process.
7. Ground Rules
Dont be afraid to make mistakes; everyone is learning.
Listen to each other as well as to the facilitator; each person
has a lot of valuable experience and insight.
Give the tool a chance to work; dont judge it before youve
experienced the whole process.
Feel free to have fun; no one says learning has to be
dull!
8. Illustrating C&E (Why? Why?)
Define/ Assign Cause Categories
Brainstorm more detailed causes
Choose a cause and ask Why? 2-5 times
Share lowest level causes and look for patterns
An issue for practice
Why dont I get everything done on the weekend I plan to
do?
9. Constructing a Fishbone Diagram
Velaction Video
10. Application
Review the Process for constructing a Fishbone Diagram
Pages 5-8 in handout
Read the case study
Pages 9-10
Write a problem statement for discussion next class
Jot down or highlight ideas, indications, possible causes
Come back prepared to engage in a discussion of causes and
effects relative to this case