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Fish Bone Analysis
The fish bone analysis is a cause and effects analysis technique that aims to solve a problem by getting to the root rather than curing the symptoms. As the name suggests, the technique can be visually represented in the form of a fish skeleton. Kaoru Ishikawa is considered the originator of the technique. Fishbone diagram promotes the achievement of quality in an organization by providing a framework through which members of the organization can brainstorm as a team and come up with a solution to a problem (Brennan 6). The diagram has the following four characteristics; Visual semblance to a fish, preoccupied with the root of a problem rather than symptoms, encourages discussions to arrive at a solution and stimulates open discourses and debates.
When to use it
The fishbone diagram is used wherever a problem occurs within an organization. Such a problem may arise due to dissatisfaction of customers emanating from low quality or poor customer service. Whatever the problem is, the first step is usually to define it so that it becomes clear for all members of the team. This stage aims to get a consensus on the problem so that clarity is enhanced (Craig 16). For instance, a company may face persistent complaints about how it responds to customers’ questions. The first step would therefore be to specify the problem so that efforts to solve it are focused. The problem becomes the head of the fish.
How it is used
After the problem has been identified in specific terms, the next step is to discuss what has caused it. The potential problems are usually corroborated by research done in the past, empirical data, and other relevant metrics (Fryman 12). After brainstorming, what are considered to be the major causes of the problem are connected to the backbone. For the example listed above, failure to respond to customers’ queries may be a lapse in the production or service department. Through further brainstorming, other causes of the problems are identified and joined to the bone that relates to them. Flexibility at this stage is very important so that members are not constricted to the confines of the fishbone skeleton (Fryman 13). For each cause of the problem, members of the team interrogate why it occurred. This is what will constitute the sub-bone of the main bones. At this level of discussion, the 5ws are employed to probe a problem deeper.
The next step is to analyze the results that have been obtained through the brainstorming session. During this stage, the consensus is very important in establishing the frequency with which the causes have been mentioned in discussions (Craig 17). After causes have been analyzed, the next rational stage is to come up with an action plan to address the cause of the problems. Additionally, responsibilities are shared out at this stage.
Pros and cons
Fishbone diagrams are advantageous in problem-solving within organizations. They are effective because they provide an opportunity to solve a problem in totality by addressing its root cause (Craig 16). Similarly, the method forestalls future problems. Brainstorming offers different perspectives and a holistic understanding of a problem. Fish diagrams enhance teamwork and inclusivity in an organization thus providing synergy for growth. The method has however been faulted for several reasons. To start with, lengthy discussions can make it difficult to respond promptly to emerging problems (Brennan 6). The opportunity cost of team meetings is high especially when solutions can be provided by only a few people. The fishbone diagram however remains one of the most effective methods in problem-solving within organizations.
Works Cited
Brennan, Kevin. A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (babok Guide). Toronto: International Institute of Business Analysis, 2009. Print.
Craig, Malcolm. Thinking Visually: Business Applications of Fourteen Core Diagrams. London [u.a.: Thomson, 2004. Print.
Fryman, Mark. Quality and Process Improvement. New York: Autodesk, 2001. Print.
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