BABOK_Guide_v3_member_copy

Root Cause Analysis
Techniques
10.40.3 Elements
• Action Identification: defines the corrective action that will prevent or
minimize recurrence.
.1 The Fishbone Diagram
A fishbone diagram (also known as an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram) is
used to identify and organize the possible causes of a problem. This tool helps to
focus on the cause of the problem versus the solution and organizes ideas for
further analysis. The diagram serves as a map that depicts possible cause-andeffect
relationships.
Steps to develop a fishbone diagram include:
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Step 1.
Step 2.
Step 3.
Step 4.
Step 5.
Step 6.
Step 7.
Capturing the issue or problem under discussion in a box at the
top of the diagram.
Drawing a line from the box across the paper or whiteboard
(forming the spine of the fishbone).
Drawing diagonal lines from the spine to represent categories of
potential causes of the problem. The categories may include
people, processes, tools, and policies.
Drawing smaller lines to represent deeper causes.
Brainstorming categories and potential causes of the problem and
capturing them under the appropriate category.
Analyzing the results. Remember that the group has identified
only potential causes of the problem. Further analysis is needed to
validate the actual cause, ideally with data.
Brainstorming potential solutions once the actual cause has been
identified.
Figure 10.40.1: Fishbone Diagram
Category 1
Category 2
Primary Cause
Tertiary Cause
Effect
Secondary Cause
Category 3
Category N
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