Fishbone

DOE-HDBK-1103-96

A discussion should be facilitated afterward (or use NGT/CDM) so all team

members learn the findings from each document review. Document review may

not be necessary if the correct mix of people is present.

Fishbone. This technique is

4.6.3

used to determine the causes

of a problem and helps to zero

in on several levels of causes.

It is a three-step process that

forms a diagram similar to the

one that accompanies this

section. This technique may

be used with brainstorming to

identify potential causes.

The team should brainstorm for possible causes and ask why each cause exists.

The facilitator records in a fishbone format what the team members are

brainstorming and/or discussing.

The first step is to identify the problem or "effect." This effect is placed in a box

on the right and a long arrow is drawn pointing to the box. Step two involves

deciding the major categories or subdivisions of causes. These major categories

are placed parallel to and some distance from the main process arrow. The

boxes are then connected by arrows slanting toward the main arrow. The third

step is to brainstorm for causes. These causes are written on the chart,

clustered around the major category or subdivision which they influence. They

are connected by arrows pointing to the main process arrow. The causes should

be divided and subdivided to show, as accurately as possible, how they interact.

Mindmapping. This technique is used to visually portray the problem.

4.6.4

Brainstorming also works well with mindmapping. During mindmapping team

members identify potential causes (or solutions).