AKA | Reverse Fishbone, Solution Impact Diagram, Backward Fishbone |
Classification | Analyzing/Trending (AT) |
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.
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.
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 |
Research/statistics | |
3 | Creativity/innovation |
Engineering | |
2 | Project management |
Manufacturing | |
Marketing/sales | |
Administration/documentation | |
Servicing/support | |
Customer/quality metrics | |
1 | Change management |
before
Brainstorming
Consensus decision making
Countermeasures matrix
Starbursting
Pareto chart
after
Solution matrix
Action plan
Cost-benefit analysis
Resource requirements matrix
Balance sheet
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 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.