In Six Sigma, which method is employed for root cause analysis?

The Fishbone Diagram, often referred to as an Ishikawa Diagram or Cause-and-Effect Diagram, is a key tool utilized in Six Sigma for root cause analysis. It provides a structured way to identify and visually represent potential causes of a specific problem or effect.

This diagram helps teams categorize causes into major categories such as people, processes, materials, equipment, environment, and measurements. By brainstorming and mapping out these categories, teams can systematically explore what might be causing an issue, thereby leading towards identifying the root cause more effectively.

The visual nature of the Fishbone Diagram also facilitates discussions among team members, ensuring that everyone contributes their insights and expertise. This collective understanding is essential for an accurate analysis of the problem.

While other methods such as the Five Whys can also be effective in determining root causes, the Fishbone Diagram's ability to present a broad range of causes in a clear format makes it especially useful in the context of a team-based approach in Six Sigma projects.