A Fishbone Diagram

A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause and effect diagram is a problem solving technique used in project management. It has also been referred to as an Ishikawa diagram by and by a Japanese professor Kaoru Ishikawa. Problems arising in projects usually have more causes and in some cases, these problems may be interrelated and complex. A fishbone diagram is thus a useful tool that delineateally enumerates these problems aiding in their solution.Due to its diagrammatic nature, it is possible to view at a single glance the elements adjoin the project and thus identify all the problem areas and hence extend on their solution in and easier manner. This is a major advantage of this technique. Additionally, it facilitates an in-depth depth psychology of problems by splitting them into causes and sub-causes. This again ensures a more efficient and stiff approach to problem solution.It is also extremely easy to use and this poses as an important advantage over other management tool s. To make a fishbone diagram, one draws a horizontal line pointing to the problem whose solution is desired. second the causes of this are identified and indicated by backward sloping lines along the set-back line, called bones. Sub-causes of the problem are usually then identified and say as sub-branches. Lastly, a fishbone diagram has been said to facilitate brainstorming.To come up with the bones discussed above, the project management committee needs to think and conceive the causes leading up to the effect. An example of the use of a fishbone diagram quarter be a project to increase sales by a particular firm. The causes here thus bones would then be be by such items such as pricing, advertisement, market, branding, product features, etc. all in all, it is agreed that this is an effective tool which every project private instructor should equipped with.