Resolving a problem with Cause & Effect Analysis

Whenever you’ve a grave problem, it's vital to investigate each and every one of the factors that may perhaps be the cause of it ahead of starting to consider any solution. In this way you’re able to resolve the dilemma/ problem wholly instead of merely addressing a fraction of the dilemma it and having it run without end

Cause & Effect Analysis provides you with a practical way of achieving this. This chart-based system, which is a combination of Brainstorming and a form of Mind Map, drives you on to consider every possible cause of a dilemma and not merely the most obvious causes.

Regarding the Tool

Cause & Effect Analysis had been the creation of Professor Kaoru Ishikawa, who had been amongst the pioneers of quality management, during the 1960s. Subsequently, the system was brought out in his book on Quality Control that came out in 1990. The charts/diagrams that you fashion with are referred to as Ishikawa/ Fishbone Diagrams. Even though being originally built up as a tool for quality control you’re able to use the system just as excellently in additional ways. Some instances where this can be used are for:

  • Discovering the core cause of a dilemma/problem
  • Uncovering blockages in your methods
  • Identifying the place and the reason for which any process isn't functioning

For solving a dilemma with Cause & effect Analysis you must follow the steps outlined below.

Identifying the dilemma

Cause & Effect Analysis is among the problem analysis tools and the first step is to put down the precise dilemma you face in writing. Where apt, recognize who’s implicated, the nature of the dilemmas, and the time and place of its occurrence. Having done this you must put down the problem in writing within a box at near the left margin of a hefty piece of paper. You must then sketch a line right across the sheet straight from the box. The arrangement that has the appearance of a fish’s head and spine provides you with a space for developing ideas.

Working Out the key Factors implicated

Next, you must try and make out the factors that could be piece of the dilemma. These could be equipment, systems, materials, exterior forces, people caught up with the dilemma, and all that.

Try drawing out as numerous of these as feasible. As an opening point, you are able to draw on models like “McKinsey 7S Framework” (Presenting you Structure, Strategy, Systems, Skills, Shared values,  Staff, and Style as factors that you’re able to consider) / “4Ps of Marketing” (presenting Product, Price, Place, and Promotion as likely factors).

You must then brainstorm any additional factors that could have an effect on the state of affairs.

Subsequently, draw a single line off the diagram’s the "spine” for every single factor, and tag every single line.

Identifying likely Causes and Analyzing Your Diagram

Presently, for every single factor you had considered in the above step, try to brainstorm likely causes of the dilemma that could be associated with the factor. Illustrate these likely causes as more concise lines emerging from the diagram’s "bones."

Based on the intricacy and consequence of the dilemma, you’re now able to explore the most possible causes additionally.