An Ishikawa diagram, sometimes known as a fishbone diagram, can be a useful tool in analysing cause and effect. The effect to be improved or removed is written in a box at the right hand end of a long arrow. The possible causes of that effect are then listed and connected to the effect like bones connected to the backbone of a fish. It is then possible to look at all of the factors relating to that cause. The level of detail required will vary according to what you are analysing. The more specifically you state the effect the easier it will be to pin down the causes.

To give a simple example - what are the possible causes of staff leaving before the end of a project? They may include environment, ambition, career prospects, satisfaction (variety, challenges, recognition), remuneration (basic pay, benefits - car, health, pension).

This can be represented on an Ishikawa diagram: