Cause and Effect Diagrams (Fishbone/Ishikawa Diagrams)
5 minutes
5 Questions
Cause and Effect Diagrams, also known as Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagrams, are visual tools used in risk identification to systematically explore and display the possible causes of a specific problem or effect. Developed by Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa in the 1960s, these diagrams resemble the skeleton of a fis…Cause and Effect Diagrams, also known as Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagrams, are visual tools used in risk identification to systematically explore and display the possible causes of a specific problem or effect. Developed by Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa in the 1960s, these diagrams resemble the skeleton of a fish, with the problem statement at the "head" and various causes branching off the "bones".
In the context of risk management, the Cause and Effect Diagram helps project teams brainstorm the potential sources of risk by categorizing them into major cause categories such as People, Processes, Equipment, Materials, Environment, and Management. Each category can further branch out to more detailed sub-causes, allowing for a comprehensive examination of all factors that could contribute to risks within a project.
By organizing causes in this structured format, teams can more easily identify underlying issues that might not be immediately apparent. It encourages a thorough exploration of the factors affecting the project, promoting collaborative thinking and facilitating communication among team members. The visual nature of the diagram makes it easier to convey complex cause-and-effect relationships, aiding in the identification of root causes of potential risks.
Using the Fishbone Diagram in risk identification enables project managers to anticipate problems before they occur, allowing for proactive planning and mitigation strategies. It is particularly useful in complex projects where multiple variables interact in intricate ways. Moreover, it can be used in conjunction with other risk identification techniques, such as brainstorming sessions or expert interviews, to enhance the depth and breadth of risk analysis.
In summary, Cause and Effect Diagrams provide a systematic and visual approach to identifying risks by mapping out all possible causes leading to a particular effect. This tool enhances understanding of the project environment, supports effective communication, and aids in developing robust risk mitigation plans.
Cause and Effect Diagrams (Fishbone/Ishikawa Diagrams) in Risk Management
Why Cause and Effect Diagrams Are Important in Risk Management
Cause and Effect Diagrams, also known as Fishbone or Ishikawa Diagrams, are crucial tools in the risk identification process because they help project teams:
• Systematically identify the root causes of risks • Visualize the relationship between potential effects and their various causes • Organize large amounts of risk information in a structured format • Enable teams to focus on the causes rather than just symptoms • Promote collaborative problem-solving among stakeholders
What Are Cause and Effect Diagrams?
A Cause and Effect Diagram is a visual tool that resembles a fish skeleton (hence the name "Fishbone"). It was developed by Kaoru Ishikawa in the 1960s and serves to identify all potential causes of a problem or risk event.
The diagram consists of:
• The head: The problem statement or risk event • The backbone: The central line leading to the problem • The major bones: Primary categories of causes • The minor bones: Specific causes within each category
Common categories (the "6Ms") used in manufacturing settings include: • Man/People • Methods • Machines • Materials • Measurements • Mother Nature/Environment
In project management, categories might include: • People • Process • Technology • Environment • Organization • Resources
How Cause and Effect Diagrams Work
Step 1: Define the problem or risk event and place it at the "head" of the fish Step 2: Identify the major categories of causes and draw them as "bones" from the backbone Step 3: Brainstorm specific causes within each category Step 4: For each specific cause, ask "why does this happen?" to identify root causes (the "5 Whys" technique) Step 5: Analyze the completed diagram to identify the most significant causes Step 6: Develop risk responses based on the identified causes
Application in PMI-RMP Context
In the PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP) framework, Cause and Effect Diagrams are particularly valuable during:
• Risk identification processes • Root cause analysis of identified risks • Development of comprehensive risk responses • Communication of complex risk relationships to stakeholders
The diagrams help project risk managers move beyond superficial risk identification to understand the underlying factors that create or contribute to risks.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Cause and Effect Diagrams
Key concepts to remember:
1. Purpose: Questions may ask about the primary function of these diagrams. Remember they are used to identify root causes, not to prioritize risks or develop solutions.
2. Structure: Know the basic components (head, backbone, major bones, minor bones) and what each represents.
3. Categories: Be familiar with common categories used in different contexts (6Ms for manufacturing, project-specific categories).
4. Process: Understand the steps in creating and using the diagram.
5. Limitations: Be aware that these diagrams focus on causes, not solutions, and require subject matter expertise to be effective.
Question types you might encounter:
• Scenario-based questions: "A project manager is trying to understand why a particular risk event keeps occurring. Which tool would be most appropriate to use?" • Application questions: "Which of the following would NOT be an appropriate category in a Cause and Effect Diagram for a software development project?" • Process questions: "What is the correct sequence of steps when creating a Cause and Effect Diagram?" • Comparison questions: "How does a Cause and Effect Diagram differ from a Probability and Impact Matrix?" Tips for answering:
• Pay attention to what the question is asking about - creation, purpose, or application of the diagram • Look for key words like "root cause," "categories," or "relationship between causes"• Consider the context of the question - is it about risk identification, analysis, or response planning? • For scenario questions, assess whether the situation calls for identifying causes (appropriate for these diagrams) or other risk management activities • Remember that these diagrams are primarily qualitative tools, not quantitative
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
• Confusing Cause and Effect Diagrams with other visual tools like decision trees or influence diagrams • Thinking these diagrams prioritize risks (they don't - they only identify causes) • Assuming the diagram by itself solves problems (it only helps identify causes) • Overlooking the need for subject matter expertise when creating these diagrams
By understanding both the purpose and limitations of Cause and Effect Diagrams, you'll be well-prepared to answer exam questions about this important risk identification technique.
PMI-RMP - Cause and Effect Diagrams (Fishbone/Ishikawa Diagrams) Example Questions
Test your knowledge of Cause and Effect Diagrams (Fishbone/Ishikawa Diagrams)
Question 1
When analyzing a Cause and Effect Diagram for a construction project with frequent budget overruns, which component represents the most strategic starting point for investigation?
Question 2
When using a Cause and Effect Diagram in a software project post-mortem analysis, what represents the most effective way to determine the inclusion of a new branch?
Question 3
Which statement best describes the primary benefit of using major branches in a Cause and Effect Diagram during risk identification?
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