Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

AKA

Reverse Fishbone, Solution Impact Diagram, Backward Fishbone

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

An action and effect diagram (AED) is a reverse fishbone diagram that assists a team in identifying the most positive and negative effects or outcomes of implementing a proposed action or solution. Unlike the cause and effect diagram (CED), the major generic categories such as people, methods, material, equipment, measurement, and cost are displayed to indicate the potential consequences or effects of planned actions.

Typical application

To select a solution that, when implemented, will produce the least negative aspects or effects.

To identify resource requirements when planning to implement a proposed solution.

To analyze how an action's consequences can impact the rest of the system.

To develop other options or initiate corrective action to eliminate or greatly reduce listed negative effects.

To evaluate the cost and benefits of a planned action.

Problem-solving phase

	Select and define problem or opportunity
	Identify and analyze causes or potential change
→	Develop and plan possible solutions or change
→	Implement and evaluate solution or change
	Measure and report solution or change results
	Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

	Research/statistics
3	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
2	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

Brainstorming

Consensus decision making

Countermeasures matrix

Starbursting

Pareto chart

after

Solution matrix

Action plan

Cost-benefit analysis

Resource requirements matrix

Balance sheet

Notes and key points

Complete an action and effect diagram (AED) for all proposed solutions.

Arrows are reversed in the action and effect diagram (AED).

Positive and negative effects can be listed as pros and cons in order to compare them in several proposed solutions. Draw circles around strong negative effects indicated in the diagram(s).

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 Team reaches consensus on a proposed solution. See example Provide "Tools for Teams" Training.

STEP 2 Next, the team determines the major categories and places one in each category box.

STEP 3 Possible positive and negative consequences or effects are braisntormed and indicated with each category.

STEP 4 This process is continued until all ideas are recorded as shown in the example.

STEP 5 If more potential solutions are to be analyzed, an action and effect diagram (AED) for each possible solution is completed. The solution with the highest potential and the fewest negative aspects or effects is selected for implementation.