cause and effect diagram

One of the seven tools of quality, it shows the relationship of all factors (causes) that lead to the given situation (effect). It identifies major causes and breaks them down into sub-causes and further sub-divisions (if any). It is usually preceded by cause-and-effect analysis. Also called fishbone diagram (because of its resemblance to a fish skeleton) or Ishikawa diagram, after its inventor Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa (1915-89) of Tokyo's Mushasi Institute.