Effective Project Management: Traditional, Agile, Extreme, Sixth Edition

Using Process Improvement Tools, Templates, and Processes

The tools I prefer are graphic rather than tabular. The tabular reports give the details if those are needed for further analysis. The graphic reports are intuitive and convey the necessary quality information at a glance. As part of their PMBOK standards, the PMI recommends some basic tools of quality. I've added a tool to the list that I have found particularly useful. With this addition to the current PMI list of tools, the complete list includes the following:

• Fishbone diagrams and Root Cause Analysis
• Control charts
• Flowcharting
• Histograms
• Pareto analysis
• Run charts
• Scatter diagrams
• Statistical sampling (not discussed here)
• Inspection (not discussed here)
• Approved change requests review (not discussed here)
• Force field analysis

Fishbone Diagrams and Root Cause Analysis

The fishbone diagram (a.k.a. cause-and-effect diagram, a.k.a. spider chart, a.k.a. Ishikawa diagram) is a versatile and intuitive tool. It can graphically present cause-and-effect relationships and root causes. Figure 15-8 is a template of the fishbone diagram. The fishbone diagram can be used when you need to identify, explore, and display the possible causes of a specific problem or condition. It is most commonly used after data compilation and is very effective after an affinity exercise. Teams that are empowered to work on improvement-based projects or are searching for root causes may find this tool helpful. It methodically provides the answer to ...