fishbone diagramA : External conditions or settings that could affect outcomes.Our courses and workshops include: and engineering contexts. These categories help ensure a comprehensive analysis by covering different aspects of the problem. Commonly used categories include:We offer solutions to help improve team performance including:

problem statement

. This should be a concise description of the issue you are trying to address. A well-defined problem statement serves as the ‘head’ of the diagram and guides the entire analysis process.

Brainstorming causes+44 (0)207 148 5985Once the problem is defined, the next step is to brainstorm potential causes

[email protected]. Encourage team collaboration to gather a wide range of possible factors. Use techniques such as mind mapping or group discussions to ensure all perspectives are considered. This comprehensive list of causes will form the ‘bones’ of your diagram.

Categorising causes After brainstorming, organise the identified causes into relevant categories

. These categories can be standard ones like Methods, Materials, and Manpower, or custom ones tailored to your specific context. Proper categorisation helps in visualising the problem from different angles and ensures no potential cause is overlooked.

Analysing and prioritising causes

The final step is to

analyse and prioritise the causes

United Kingdom. Evaluate each potential cause in terms of its impact on the problem. Use techniques such as voting or ranking to identify the most critical causes for further investigation. Focusing on these key factors will help in developing targeted and effective solutions.

Practical applications and case studies

Real-world applications of fishbone diagrams

Fishbone diagrams are widely used across various industries to identify and resolve complex issues. In

manufacturing

, these diagrams help pinpoint inefficiencies in production processes, leading to improved efficiency and reduced waste. By systematically analysing potential causes, manufacturers can address issues such as equipment malfunctions or material defects.

In the

Malta

Netherlands

PolandPortugalRomania

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Other countries

Home

Project Management

Business Cases

How to write a business case

{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Project Management","item":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/project-management"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Business Cases","item":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/project-management/business-cases"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"How to write a business case","item":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/project-management/business-cases/how-to-write-a-business-case"}]}

{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","contentUrl":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/training-courses/change-management-model-kubler-ross-890x501.webp","description":"The Kubler Ross model is known as the change curve.","license":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/license","acquireLicensePage":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/license","creditText":"Knowledge Train","uploadDate":"2023-05-16T10:10:48.000Z","copyrightNotice":"© 2023 Knowledge Train Limited. All rights reserved.","creator":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Knowledge Train","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk"}}

How do fishbone diagrams differ from other problem-solving tools?

{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"ImageObject","contentUrl":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/training-courses/res/images/change-management/kubler-ross-model-change-management-800x4784.webp","description":"Kubler Ross Change Curve Infographic.","license":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/license","acquireLicensePage":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/license","creditText":"Knowledge Train","uploadDate":"2023-05-16T10:10:48.000Z","copyrightNotice":"© 2023 Knowledge Train Limited. All rights reserved.","creator":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Knowledge Train","url":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk"}}Fishbone diagrams make it easier to see all possible causes of a problem by sorting them into clear categories. This visual organisation helps teams spot patterns and connections.

How to write a business case How can I use fishbone diagrams for personal problems?

Related articlesCreate categories relevant to your personal challenge, such as daily habits, environment, and relationships. Then list potential causes under each category to understand what’s affecting your situation.

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

SwedenOther countriesHome

Business Analysis

Business analyst course

Business analysis technique fishbone diagrams

{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Business Analysis","item":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Business analyst course","item":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Business analysis technique fishbone diagrams","item":"https://www.knowledgetrain.co.uk/business-analysis/business-analyst-course/business-analysis-technique-fishbone-diagrams"}]}

Using fishbone diagrams effectively in your projects

Simon Buehring

19 Feb 2026

Uncovering the benefits of PESTLE analysis for informed decision-making

Simon Buehring

19 Feb 2026

Discover the impact of PESTLE analysis on strategic planning. Scroll down to see how this tool can guide your business decisions and enhance your competitive edge.

Copied!

Key takeaways

Fishbone diagrams help teams move from symptoms to root causes with a clear, shared view of the problem.

Define a precise problem statement first, as it determines the focus and usefulness of the analysis.