What is a common tool used to analyze the causes of quality issues?

The fishbone diagram, also known as the Ishikawa diagram or cause-and-effect diagram, is a well-established tool used to identify and analyze the root causes of quality issues in a systematic manner. This tool visually organizes potential causes of problems into categories, helping teams to brainstorm and categorize the various factors that may contribute to a particular quality issue. By doing so, it allows for a structured approach to problem-solving, paving the way for targeted improvement efforts.

In contrast, the other tools mentioned are employed for different purposes. A Gantt chart is primarily used for project management to illustrate the timeline of tasks and their durations. A Kanban board serves as a visual workflow management tool that helps teams track work in progress, focusing on task prioritization and efficiency. SWOT analysis, while useful for strategic planning by evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, does not specifically analyze the causes of quality issues. Thus, the fishbone diagram stands out as the most appropriate tool for identifying the root causes of quality problems.