The fishbone cause-and-effect diagram is recognized as a standard quality tool around the world. Working from Ishikawa’s original idea, there are five lessons that can improve the way people define a problem, dissect the causes and discover effective solutions.

Root cause analysis (RCA) is typically used for investigating why a problem did occur so that specific solutions can be implemented to prevent it from occurring again. Failure modes effect analysis (FMEA) is used to understand how a problem could happen in the future, to identify what actions should be taken to prevent it. Learn how to connect these two approaches to improve the way your organization analyzes, documents, communicates and prevents problems.

This presentation, for both you and your managers, clarifies the connection between risk, reliability and root cause analysis. These three topics can sometimes be vague theories rather than concrete disciplines. Companies inadvertently make problem-solving too complicated. Six-week quality programs that leave people confused, 300 puzzling "cause codes" and frustrating investigations are not just counterproductive, they can be detrimental. It can erode the effectiveness of an organization. Your problems are confusing enough; your problem-solving tools shouldn’t make it worse. Employees who are inundated with techniques, methods and software can lose track of the basics. All problem-solving efforts should be focused on your company’s goals with a bias toward principles.

This FREE Webinar will demonstrate how powerful the drawing tool within Excel can be to document, communicate and share your entire investigation within our Excel Cause Mapping template without having to invest in new expensive, complicated software.

In the problem-solving realm, there is a commonly cited adage that a problem well defined is a problem half solved. This saying highlights both the importance and challenge of a good problem definition. Unfortunately, we see many problem-solving efforts struggle with this critical step of problem-solving. The result is often disagreements, wasted time, and missed opportunities to solve the problem.

Learn how to become better at solving problems in your job in just 45 minutes. During this FREE live webinar, we’ll demonstrate the Cause Mapping method, as well as answer your specific questions about our approach to root cause analysis. The Cause Mapping method is evidence-based cause-and-effect and can be used on day-to-day issues as well as catastrophic incidents. Anyone wanting to become a more effective manager or team member can benefit from this discussion. Participants will take away practical tips that can be implemented immediately.