Lean, quality improvement & root cause · Core
Fishbone diagram
Also called: Ishikawa diagram, cause-and-effect diagram
ELI5
A cause-and-effect diagram grouping possible causes of a problem.
Used in conversation
“Attach the latest fishbone diagram to the decision pack before the meeting.”
Pitch context
You will see “Fishbone diagram” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches lean, quality improvement & root cause.
Why it matters: In lean, quality improvement & root cause, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16