PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) Practice Exam

What purpose does a Fishbone Diagram serve?

1. Project planning tool

2. Root cause analysis diagram

3. Estimation technique

4. Risk assessment tool

The correct answer is: Root cause analysis diagram

A Fishbone Diagram, also known as an Ishikawa diagram or cause-and-effect diagram, is primarily utilized for root cause analysis. Its main purpose is to systematically identify and analyze the potential causes of a specific problem or defect. The diagram resembles the skeleton of a fish, where the head represents the main problem, and the bones extending from the spine represent the various categories of potential causes, such as people, processes, materials, equipment, and environment. This visual representation helps teams brainstorm and categorize causes, facilitating deeper discussions about underlying issues rather than merely addressing symptoms. In the context of project management and Agile practices, identifying the root causes of challenges can lead to more effective problem-solving strategies and ultimately promote continuous improvement within teams. While the diagram may contribute to project planning and risk assessment, its primary focus remains on diagnosing issues to enhance quality and performance, which is why it is recognized as a root cause analysis tool.