Which method is used to determine the root cause of an incident?

The Ishikawa Fish Bone Diagram, also known as the Cause and Effect Diagram, is an effective method for determining the root cause of an incident. This tool visually organizes potential causes of problems in a structured way, allowing teams to explore various factors that contribute to an issue. The diagram resembles a fishbone, where the main problem is identified at the head, and various categories of causes branch off as "bones." This method encourages thorough brainstorming and collaboration among team members to identify causes related to people, processes, materials, equipment, and the environment.

Using the Fish Bone Diagram is particularly useful in complex situations where multiple factors may be at play, as it helps systematically examine all possible contributions to an incident. This comprehensive approach ultimately aids in identifying the root cause more effectively, enabling teams to implement targeted solutions to prevent future occurrences.

While other methods listed may also play a role in root cause analysis, the Fish Bone Diagram stands out for its visual representation and collaborative process, which enhance understanding and communication among team members during the analysis phase.