Which tool is designed to map out factors affecting a problem?

The Cause and Effect Diagram is specifically tailored to help visualize and map out factors that contribute to a particular problem. Often referred to as a Fishbone or Ishikawa diagram, it allows teams to dissect various categories of potential causes, such as people, processes, materials, or environment. By organizing these factors in a clear manner, teams can better understand the root causes of an issue and identify areas for improvement or corrective action.

In contrast, other tools have different focuses. For instance, SWOT Analysis is primarily used for assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a project or organization, rather than mapping causes of problems. A Flowchart illustrates the steps or processes involved in a system, showing how tasks are linked rather than analyzing factors influencing a specific problem. Lastly, a Control Chart is used for monitoring process stability and quality over time, focusing on variation in data rather than causative factors.