Certified Production & Operations Manager (POM) Practice Exam

What is another name for a fish-bone chart used in quality management?

1. Cause-and-effect diagram

2. Flowchart

3. Ishikawa diagram

4. Matrix diagram

The correct answer is: Ishikawa diagram

The fish-bone chart is commonly referred to as the Ishikawa diagram, named after its creator, Kaoru Ishikawa. This diagram is widely used in quality management to identify, explore, and visually display the various causes of a particular problem or effect. It provides a structured approach to categorizing potential sources of variation, helping teams to identify root causes rather than just symptoms. The diagram's shape resembles a fish skeleton, with the spine representing the main problem and the ribs showing the various categories of causes. By organizing the information this way, teams can conduct a thorough analysis, leading to more effective quality improvement efforts. Though other diagrams, like the cause-and-effect diagram, have similar purposes, referring specifically to the fish-bone chart as an Ishikawa diagram emphasizes its unique attributes and origin in quality management practices. The other options, such as flowcharts and matrix diagrams, serve different functions and do not capture the same visual representation or analytical focus that the Ishikawa diagram provides.