What are the 3 stages when developing a business case?

Last edited on: 26 May 2026

Which is better, PMI-ACP<sup>®</sup> or PMI-PMP<sup>®</sup>?

or PMI-PMPIntroduction to fishbone diagrams ^®?Understanding fishbone diagram

Simon Buehring Variations and procedures

19 Feb 2026

Applications and case studiesDebating between PMI-ACP® or PMI-PMP®? This article discusses the merits of both, helping you choose the right qualification for your career outside of Europe. Read more.

Challenges and solutions

FAQs Infographic

Introduction to fishbone diagrams

Project portfolio management tools A

Simon Buehring , also known as an

19 Feb 2026 Ishikawa diagram

or a cause-and-effect diagram, is a fundamental tool in Explore the features of different project portfolio management tools and how to choose the right one for your needs. Read on for a detailed guide. quality management

. Named after its creator, Kaoru Ishikawa, this diagram helps in identifying root causes of a problem by organising potential causes into useful categories. The visual structure resembles a fish skeleton, with the problem statement at the ‘head’ and contributing factors branching off as ‘bones.’ This structured approach facilitates effective brainstorming sessions, enabling teams to explore a wide range of possible causes systematically.

Importance in problem-solving

Fishbone diagrams are vital in quality management and continuous improvement efforts across numerous industries. They are one of the Seven Basic Quality Tools, essential for identifying and resolving issues efficiently. The diagrams help teams develop specific solutions and are particularly valuable in Manufacturing sectors use them to identify and address production process inefficiencies

Healthcare organisations

Book review: Applied Software Project Management Service industries

Simon Buehring In essence, fishbone diagrams not only aid in identifying the root causes of problems but also promote a culture of systematic analysis and continuous improvement. By applying this method, organisations can ensure that they address issues comprehensively, leading to more effective and lasting solutions.

19 Feb 2026 Understanding fishbone diagram components

Basic structure of a fishbone diagramExplore the practical applications of software project management in 'Applied Software Project Management'. Read our review for insights. A

fishbone diagram

Kanban management – from chaos to clarity when transforming projects

Fishbone diagrams

often use standard categories to organise potential causes, especially in

quality management and engineering contexts. These categories help ensure a comprehensive analysis by covering different aspects of the problem. Commonly used categories include:

Methods

: Processes or procedures that might contribute to the issue

Materials: Raw materials or components involved in the processMachines

: Equipment or tools used, which might have faults or limitations

: Human factors, such as skills, training, or motivation

: Data or metrics that might be inaccurate or misleading

Environment

: External conditions or settings that could affect outcomes.These categories offer teams a structured approach to explore potential causes.

Custom categories

While standard categories are useful, organisations often benefit from tailoring categories to their specific needs or industries. Custom categories allow teams to focus on the unique aspects of their problem domain. For instance, a software development team might include categories like

user experience or software architecture

. Meanwhile, a retail business might focus on

AI in project management: from automation to augmented leadership

or

.

The flexibility to customise categories ensures that the fishbone diagram remains relevant and effective for any given context. By adapting the diagram to suit their specific needs, organisations can enhance the accuracy and usefulness of their analysis, leading to more targeted and effective solutions.

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