The "Method" category of Root Causes on a Fishbone Diagram is primarily used to generate ideas as to the possible causes for defects by the ____________.

Question

Options

• AInventory management
• BEffects of the environment
• CWay work is done
• DParts or forms used

• A
  5% (2)
• C
  93% (41)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

Option C is correct because in a Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagram, the Method category targets the processes, procedures, and work instructions that govern how a task is performed - essentially the "way work is done." When brainstorming causes under this category, teams examine whether flawed steps, unclear procedures, or poor sequencing could be producing defects.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (Inventory management) belongs under the Materials category, which covers supplies, raw inputs, and stock - not process steps.
• B (Effects of the environment) maps to the Mother Nature / Environment category (temperature, humidity, noise, etc.), which is a separate branch on the diagram.
• D (Parts or forms used) also falls under Materials, focusing on physical components or documentation inputs rather than how work is executed.

Memory tip: Link "Method" to the phrase "How we do it." In the classic 6 M's mnemonic (Man, Machine, Material, Measurement, Method, Mother Nature), Method is the only M that answers "what steps do we follow?" - making it the natural home for process-related causes.

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