Cause & Effect

Adding Screening Tools Can Speed Up Six Sigma Projects

Although they are not part of the typical DMAIC approach, organizations that use these tools can decrease the time needed to find solutions.

Applying Systems Thinking to the Practice of Six Sigma

To find the most valuable Six Sigma projects – ones with the highest system-level leverage – can require systems thinking and tools like the causal loop diagram, which supplies much more information than the usual cause-and-effect analysis.

Categories of Legitimate Reservation Focuses Fishbone

There is no discipline within fishbone analysis to validate the (logical) connections between one element and another. The tests of can help valid those cause-and-effect relationships.

Causal Loop Diagrams: Little Known Analytical Tool

The causal loop diagram is an analytical tool that is seldom used in Six Sigma but nonetheless is still very valuable. It is a foundational tool used in system dynamics, a method of analysis used to develop an understanding of complex systems.

Combining SIPOC with the Cause-and-Effect Diagram

The cause-and-effect diagram, or fishbone, and SIPOC can be used to help find the root causes of defects with speed and accuracy, especially when the improvement project is in a process that the project leader has little to no experience.

Decision-Making with Cause-and-Effect Analysis and DOE

While most companies are using similar techniques informally, cause-and-effect analysis combined with design of experiments can provide real data to help a company decide how and where it can best allocate the funds to improve its business processes.

Determine the Root Cause: 5 Whys

The 5 Whys is a technique used in the Analyze phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology. The 5 Whys is a great Six Sigma tool that doesn't involve a statistical hypothesis and in many cases can be completed without a data collection plan.

Final Solution Via Root Cause Analysis (with a Template)

The most frequent response to a problem is to rush to find an immediate fix. A better approach is to eliminate the root cause so the problem will never recur. Six Sigma's root cause analysis provide an effective way to accomplish this goal.

The Cause and Effect (a.k.a. Fishbone) Diagram

The cause and effect (fishbone) diagram will help you visually display the many potential causes for a problem or effect. Don't be fooled by tool rules; Kerri Simon teaches you to modify the tool for your specific project and subject matter. Free templates are included so you can begin using this tool today.