Ishikawa diagram
Ishikawa diagrams (also called fishbone diagrams, herringbone diagrams, cause-and-effect diagrams, or Fishikawa) are causal diagrams created by Kaoru Ishikawa that show the potential causes of a specific event. Common uses of the Ishikawa diagram are product design and quality defect prevention to identify potential factors causing an overall effect. Each cause or reason for imperfection is a source of variation. Causes are usually grouped into major categories to identify and classify these sources of variation. Overview. The "defect" is shown as the fish's head, facing to the right, with the "causes" extending to the left  as fishbones; the ribs branch off the backbone for major causes, with sub-branches for root-causes, to as many levels as required. Ishikawa diagrams were popularized in the 1960s by Kaoru Ishikawa, who pioneered quality management processes in the Kawasaki shipyards, and in the process became one of the founding fathers of modern management. The basic concept was first used in the 1920s, and is considered one of the seven basic tools of quality control. It is known as a fishbone diagram because of its shape, similar to the side view of a fish skeleton. Mazda Motors famously used  an Ishikawa diagram in the development of the Miata (MX5) sports car. Root causes. Root-cause analysis is intended to reveal key relationships among various variables, and the possible causes provide additional insight into process behavior. The causes emerge by analysis, often through brainstorming sessions, and are grouped into categories on the main branches off the fishbone. To help structure the approach, the categories are often selected from one of the common models shown below, but may emerge as something unique to the application in a specific case. Each potential cause is traced back to find the root cause, often  using the 5 Whys technique. Typical categories include: The 5 Ms (used in manufacturing). Originating with lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System, the 5 Ms is one of the most common frameworks for root-cause analysis: These have been expanded by some to include an additional three, and are referred to as the 8 Ms: The 8 Ps (used in product marketing). This common model for identifying crucial attributes for planning in product marketing is often also used in root-cause analysis as categories for the Ishikawa diagram: The 8 Ps are primarily used in product marketing. The  4 or 5 Ss (used in service industries). An alternative used for service industries, uses four categories of possible cause: